The Organic Market in Switzerland and the European Union

Transcription

The Organic Market in Switzerland
and the European Union
Overview and market access information
for producers and international trading companies
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
(Forschungsinstitut
für biologischen Landbau)
sippo
swiss import
promotion programme
We put your
projects on track
Project and feasibility studies
Training and advice
Pilot and demonstration trials
Conversion planning
Support for import and
label certification
Set-up of inspection and
certification programmes
Market surveys, marketing concepts
and organic produce sourcing
Research Institute
of Organic Agriculture
Frick (Switzerland):
Postfach, CH-5070 Frick,
Tel. +49 (0)62 865 72 72,
Fax +49 (0)62 865 72 73,
www.fibl.org
Imprint
Publisher
SIPPO Swiss Import Promotion
Programme
Stampfenbachstr. 85, CH-8035 Zürich
Switzerland
Tel. +41-1-365-52-00
Fax +41-1-365-52-02
www.sippo.ch
info@sippo.ch
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
(Forschungsinstitut für Biologischen
Landbau, FiBL)
Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick
Switzerland
Tel. +41-62-865-72-72
Fax +41-62-865-72-73
www.fibl.org
admin@fibl.ch
Authors
Lukas Kilcher, Ranjana Khanna,
Beate Huber, Toralf Richter, Otto Schmid
(FiBL), Franziska Staubli (SIPPO)
Collaboration/Revision
Hans Ramseier (BIO SUISSE),
Stefan Schönenberger (Swiss Federal
Office for Agriculture – Bundesamt für
Landwirtschaft)
Translation
Übersetzungsbüro für
Umweltwissenschaften,
D-64297 Darmstadt, Germany
ecotranslator@t-online.de
Design
bootzgrolimundbootzbonadei,
CH-8037 Zürich
Press
Druckzentrum Sellenbüren AG,
CH-8143 Sellenbüren-Stallikon,
Switzerland
Edition
2nd Edition, Zurich/Frick, January 2004
ISBN 3-906081-03-6
1
Contents
Foreword by Markus Stern, SIPPO
Foreword by Lukas Kilcher, FiBL
4
5
Part A: Switzerland
1.
1.17
1.18
Frequently asked questions on importing organic products
into Switzerland
How does the export of organic products differ from the export
of conventional produce?
What are the issues to bear in mind when exporting organic
products to Switzerland?
What import documentation is compulsory?
What is the “Country List”?
Is certification according to BIO SUISSE standards essential
in order to market organic products in Switzerland?
May an exporter from abroad apply to BIO SUISSE
for certification of products?
Are the organic standards in Switzerland stricter than in the EU?
Is the Swiss market open to products from emerging markets
and markets in transition?
Are there separate import quotas for organic products in Switzerland?
Which inspection and certification bodies are officially recognized in CH?
Why are all the inspections and paperwork necessary?
What is EUREPGAP and what is the difference between it and organic…
What can be done to make the work of customers in Switzerland easier?
Is the present quality level satisfactory for the Swiss market?
What are the market prospects of an organic product in Switzerland
if it is not marked with the BIO SUISSE Knospe (“bud”) label?
Where can export information and figures on the organic
market be obtained?
How can potential business partners in Switzerland be contacted?
What are the differences between integrated and organic production?
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11
11
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
The market for food and organic products in Switzerland
Economics and demographics
Consumption trends for organic products
Organic agricultural production in Switzerland
Market partners and trade structures
Demand and volume of the organic market in Switzerland
Importing organic products
Future market development
12
12
13
15
15
18
19
20
3.
Development and potential of the Swiss organic market
by product group
Significance of imports in the Swiss organic market
Current demand and potential by product group
21
21
22
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Requirements and conditions relating to access
for organic imports
Customs regulations and value-added tax
Requirements laid down in the legislation on food
The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance
Private organic labelling schemes
34
34
34
35
39
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
Services for organic agriculture
International cooperation by FiBL
Research
Advisory services, training and documentation
45
45
46
47
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
3.1
3.2
4.
2
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
10
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Part B: The European Union
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
The European organic market: Overview
Development of organic agriculture
Market development
Market structures
50
50
51
52
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Access for organic imports: Requirements and conditions
General framework
The EU Regulation on organic production
Importing goods into the EU
Requirements relating to inspection bodies
EU logo for organic products
How the EU Regulation on organic production relates to other
standards and laws
53
53
53
53
54
55
56
Major markets: Selected countries
Austria
Denmark
France
Germany
Italy
Sweden
The Netherlands
The United Kingdom
58
58
60
63
65
68
71
74
76
3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
Part C: Annexes
Guidelines, Addresses, Forms
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
I:
II:
III:
IV:
V:
VI:
VII:
Swiss Ordinance of Organic Agriculture
EU Council Regulation
Comparison of standards in organic agriculture
Swiss, European and International Addresses
Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture
BIO SUISSE forms
Sources
80
81
82
87
129
131
132
3
SIPPO foreword
More and more consumers want to know what they are eating, and want foods to be
healthy and produced without harming the environment. For these reasons, the demand
for organic products is now growing worldwide. Emerging markets and markets in
transition should also share in the benefits of this demand. Those wishing to export
organic products successfully into the EU and Switzerland need accurate information on
the potential of the organic market and the conditions for market access. The organic
market is highly specific and therefore needs to be studied closely. At the same time it is
a market which offers creative and circumspect producers and exporters excellent
opportunities for success.
Internationally, it is difficult to find precise and up-to-date facts and figures on organic
agriculture. This is particularly true of countries where statistics are not maintained at
national level. Most of the statements in this handbook, especially indications of future
prospects, are based on the comments of experts. These comments are sourced from
interviews conducted in the years 2000 to 2003 by FiBL, the Swiss Research Institute of
Organic Agriculture. Additional source material was provided by the International Trade
Center’s study on the international market for organics, “Organic Food and Beverages”,
the study “Organic Agriculture World-Wide” from the IFOAM, FiBL and German
Foundation Ecology and Agriculture (Stiftung Ökologie und Landbau, SÖL), and further
studies and monitoring of the markets conducted by FiBL. In preparing the handbook,
SIPPO was able to rely fully on FiBL’s competence in all spheres of organic agriculture.
The aim of this brochure is to inform operators in emerging markets and markets in
transition about the market potential and the conditions for access to the European and
Swiss markets for organic products. To that end, it assembles useful facts and figures,
notes and comments and contact addresses. This second edition is updated in all
chapters and has in addition three new markets: Austria, Italy and Sweden. It is therefore
even more attractive and complete than the first edition.
A further aim of this initiative is to bring suppliers from emerging markets and markets in
transition closer to consumers in Europe and Switzerland.
Markus Stern
SIPPO Managing Director
4
FiBL foreword
Organic agriculture is a sustainable form of agriculture, for both ecological and economic
reasons. The move to more intensive and technologized agricultural production and the
use of genetically modified organisms entails great ecological risks. Loss of soil fertility,
multiplication of diseases and pests and declining biodiversity are the consequences.
Rather then constantly seeking to simplify agriculture with increasingly technical
interventions, organic agriculture pursues a course of promoting the powers of selfregulation and resistance which soil, plants and animals possess naturally.
Many an agricultural holding subscribes to technical progress, only to reach a dead-end
both ecologically and economically. This is because over-production forces prices down
while the costs of labour, machinery and capital rise, this in turn forces the farm to
extract ever more from its soil and its livestock until it becomes impossible to make ends
meet. For many agricultural holdings in emerging markets and markets in transition,
implementing costly means of production and technologies is not even an option. They
have to make do with what little the farmers themselves can muster.
Organic agriculture is a know-how intensive farming method as it builds on the efficient
use of on-farm and local resources: farmyard manure, natural crop protection, local
seed, the application of appropriate organic/indigenous management practices such as
inter-cropping and agro-forestry and the capability to promote the self-regulation
capacity of plants, animals and soil.
Organic agriculture can though, especially in poorer countries, contribute to purposeful
socio-economic and ecologically sustainable development. This is due to the organic
practice, which is low in inputs and therefore cost effective and at the same time it
creates a market – local and international – with tremendous prospects for growth, and
offers creative producers and exporters from the south some excellent opportunities to
improve incomes and living conditions.
As to whether organic agriculture is a viable proposition for a particular holding, and how
to make it a viable proposition, this is something, which can only be clarified in the light
of individual circumstances. Through its research, training and advisory services, FiBL
works to make organic agriculture practicable and accessible for as many farmers as
possible, regardless of crop or region.
Organic agriculture though, as it is our belief, will only have sustained success, if the
farmers, farmer groups, traders, technicians and authorities have access to appropriate
information and are well prepared for their work. With this handbook, which has come
into being, thanks to the support of the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO),
FiBL and SIPPO want to spread this information and contribute to enabling emerging
economies and economies in transition to exploit the opportunities of organic agriculture
to the fullest.
Lukas Kilcher
Director of International Cooperation at FiBL
5
6
Part A: Switzerland
7
1.
Frequently asked questions
on importing organic products into Switzerland
This chapter provides answers to a collection of questions that may arise during
the day-to-day commercial operations of
a trading company exporting or importing
organic products to Switzerland. Most
of the answers are followed up with
detailed information in the following chapters.
1.1
How does the export of organic products differ from
the export of conventional
produce?
• Company Objectives: In addition to
business objectives, ecological and social aspects must also be considered.
The latter form the basis of a firm’s
credibility with its customers, and this
• Certification: To have an imported
product passed as “organic” in Switzerland, the producers, processors,
exporters and importers must undergo
inspection and certification at least
once a year by an accredited organic
inspection and certification body.
1.2
Regardless of the product, importers must
bear in mind the following aspects:
• The quality of products (prior agreement should be reached with the buyer).
• Avoiding dramatic fluctuations in supply.
• Efficient collection and distribution of
the products.
• Thorough documentation of raw-material flows, production land and premises (this reduces the workload and associated costs of inspection).
• Small farmers’ cooperatives: ensuring
the quality of internal control procedures.
• Coordination of inspections by foreign
certification/inspection bodies.
• Competent advice on production, processing and commerce to avoid problems with certification.
1.3
in turn is the foundation for a long-term
business relationship.
• Logistics: Some privately controlled organic standards do not allow import by
air. Transportation may only be sprayed
with pesticides or cleansing agents
which are specially permitted for use
with organic products.
• Packaging and Declaration: Packaging
must be free from pesticides, colourings, solvents or cleansing agents
which could contaminate the organic
products. Organic products must be
labelled in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Swiss Organic
Farming Ordinance (Bioverordnung).
8
What are the issues to bear
in mind when exporting organic products to Switzerland?
What import documentation
is compulsory?
• The exporter must ensure that his
certification body submits the Individual
authorisation (Part A, Chapter 4.3.6).
• In the case of an individual authorization procedure, the exporter’s inspection and certification body must also fill
out an “Attestation of Equivalence”
(Part A, Chapter 4.3.6).
• If the exported product is intended for
marketing under a private organic
label, additional documentation may
be required by the private organic label
organizations.
1.4
What is the “Country List”?
(Bio-Verordnung SR 910.18) gives a
Country List in Annex 4 stating those
countries and accredited inspection and
certification bodies for which the export
formalities are simplified. Exports from
countries on the Country List need not
present an Attestation of Equivalence, for
example. (Part A, Chapter 4.3.6).
Switzerland does not observe a “year
zero” (1st year of conversion). Most privately operated label programmes in Switzerland and the EU have certain conditions
which exceed the minimum requirements
of the Swiss and EU organic regulations.
1.8
Is the Swiss market open to
products from emerging
markets and markets in transition?
To market a product as organic in Switzerland, the Swiss legal formalities must be
satisfied. BIO SUISSE certification is only
necessary if the customer wishes to market the product under the BIO SUISSE
Knospe label (a graphic depicting a bud
and the letters “BIO”, shown in Chapter A
4.4.1 of this handbook). However the BIO
SUISSE label does make marketing substantially easier. BIO SUISSE is the association of Swiss organic agriculture organizations. It operates its own standards and
owns the Knospe label.
Access to the Swiss market (and also to
the EU) for products from emerging markets and markets in transition is regulated
by means of regulations on equivalence.
The production, processing, inspection,
certification and labelling of organic products in emerging markets and markets in
transition must take place according to requirements which are equivalent to those
of the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance.
This is not to say that identical procedures
are imposed. In fact, it is desirable to
adapt organic farming standards to local
conditions and make use of certification
bodies in the emerging markets and markets in transition. The Research Institute of
Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Frick (Switzerland) can be of assistance with feasibility
studies and detailed market research.
1.6
1.9
1.5
Is certification according
to BIO SUISSE standards
essential in order to market
organic products in Switzerland?
May an exporter from abroad
apply to BIO SUISSE for certification of products?
The exporter cannot apply directly to BIO
SUISSE for certification of products. The
application must be made through a BIO
SUISSE licence holder. A list of these can
be found at www.bio-suisse.ch. As a
matter of principle, BIO SUISSE only
grants a licence to firms or producers in
Switzerland.
1.7
Are there separate import
quotas for organic products
in Switzerland?
No, Switzerland does not impose separate
import quotas for agricultural products
from organic production on the one hand
and conventional produce on the other.
Customs law takes no account of whether
products are organic or not. The main issue for importers is that import quotas for
fruits and vegetables are set, in coordination with the seasonal availability of Swiss
products.
Are the organic standards in
Switzerland stricter than in
the EU?
The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance is
stricter than the EU Regulation on Organic
Production (Annex II of this handbook) in
several points, particularly in its stipulations on whole-farm systems and biodiversity (see the comparison of regulations in
Annex III). However the requirements on
conversion are less strict than in the EU.
9
1.10
Which inspection and certification bodies are officially
recognized in Switzerland?
An inspection and certification body is
officially recognized by the Swiss authorities if it:
a) appears in the Country List in Annex 4
of the Ordinance of the Swiss Federal
Department of Economic Affairs on
Organic Farming (Verordnung des
Eidgenössischen Volkswirtschaftsdepartement über die biologische Landwirtschaft SR 910.181) (see also
http://www.admin.ch/d/sr/c910_181.html
b) has a valid accreditation document in
accordance with either ISO 65 or EN
45011 standards, and is listed with the
Swiss authorities (Swiss Federal Office
for Agriculture – Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft).
1.11
Why are all the inspections
and paperwork necessary?
Consumers of organic products want to
be certain that the “organic” label on the
outside is a true indication of an “organic”
product on the inside. To avoid abuse or
fraud, national legislation protects these
terms. This is why farmers, processors
and traders must submit to an accredited
inspection process. As part of this, the entire production cycle must be documented
so that, in the event of an objection, a
product can be traced back from the final
consumer to the original producer.
1.12
What is EUREPGAP and
what is the difference
between it and organic
certification?
The Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group
(EUREP) represents leading European
food retailers and is aimed at promoting
and encouraging best agricultural practices in the farming of fruits and vegetables, in animal production, combinable
crops, and also flowers and ornamentals.
Therefore, EUREP developed a framework
for Good Agricultural Practice, called EUREPGAP. The main aim of the initiative is
to ensure food safety in the production
chain, in a lesser extent the framework
also pays attention to social issues
(www.eurep.org/guidelines).
10
In the light of the recent developments in
Europe on food safety, meeting EUREPGAP standards will be more and more
necessary for retail suppliers of farm products. It is widely believed that EUREPGAP
will become an important international
standard. For now, it is only applicable
when you want to supply to the supermarkets being part of this initiative.
1.13
What can be done to make
the work of customers in
Switzerland easier?
It is very helpful if the farm in the exporting
country prepares the most comprehensive
documentation possible as part of the
Attestation of Equivalence. If BIO SUISSE
certification is desired, the inspection
office must be informed of this intention
before the inspection.
1.14
Is the present quality level
satisfactory for the Swiss
market?
For export, it is necessary to check that
the quality of products meets the standards of the target market in Switzerland.
This involves not only the requirements of
the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance, but
also Swiss food legislation. In general,
Swiss consumers have very high expectations in terms of product quality. Organic
products must usually meet the same
quality standards as conventionally produced goods. The only slight allowances
are made in the case of fruits. The requirements also relate to food packaging. It is
common practice to provide the importer
or potential customer a representative
sample of the organically produced products. On this basis, agreement can be
reached with the trading partner as to
whether the quality is sufficient to satisfy
market requirements.
1.15
What are the market prospects of an organic product
in Switzerland if it is not
marked with the BIO SUISSE
Knospe (“bud”) label?
Even organic products without the Knospe
label can be marketed successfully in
Switzerland, for instance through the
large-scale distributor Migros. Smaller
retailers market other organic products
alongside Knospe products. However the
marketing effort made by BIO SUISSE for
its Knospe label is considerable. As the
“bud” becomes increasingly familiar to
consumers, it will become more important
to use this label. The symbol possesses
high status and credibility in the minds of
Swiss consumers.
1.16
Where can export information and figures on the organic market be obtained?
• Details of the statutory foundations of
the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance
can be found at www.blw.admin.ch
and www.admin.ch.
• The BIO SUISSE homepage (www.biosuisse.ch) provides information on agriculture in Switzerland and the addresses of BIO SUISSE licence holders together with BIO SUISSE standards and
forms.
1.17
How can potential business
partners in Switzerland be
contacted?
Contact can be made with potential (new)
business partners in Switzerland in writing,
by telephone or in person. An address list
can be found at the end of this handbook.
Trade fairs are a good opportunity for
producers and exporters to present their
products to future consumers and traders.
One of the most important organic trade
fairs internationally is BIOFACH in Germany, which Swiss customers are also likely
to attend. Other trade fairs are listed with
addresses at the end of this handbook.
In the search for potential business partners, SIPPO – Swiss Import Promotion
Programme (www.sippo.ch) – can also be
of assistance.
1.18
What are the differences
between integrated and
organic production?
Compared with conventional methods,
integrated production already contains
important steps towards more environmentally sound practices in agriculture,
such as biological pest control and the
utilization of synthetic crop protection
agents according to the control threshold
principle. Organic production, in contrast
to integrated production, bans synthetic
crop protection agents, fertilizers and herbicides. Permitted methods of production
and labelling conventions for organic products are regulated internationally. Products
from integrated production cannot therefore be described as “organic”.
• The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Frick (Switzerland) can
be of assistance with feasibility studies
and detailed market research projects
(www.fibl.org).
• Information on the EU Regulation on
Organic Production can be obtained at
http://www.europa.eu.int/eur-lex/.
11
2.
The market for food and
organic products in Switzerland
2.1
Economics and demographics
2.1.1
Populations and households
Switzerland’s 7.3 million inhabitants live in
an area of 41,284 km2. Over half of the
population lives in and around Zurich,
Basel, Geneva and Berne. Switzerland’s
population density is 176 inhabitants per
km2. In the next 20 years the population is
expected to grow to 7.6 million, the main
reason for this trend being increasing life
expectancy.
In the year 2020, over 50% of the Swiss
population are likely to be over 50 years
old. The 50–70 year-old age bracket is
considered to have special purchasing
power due to its relative affluence and leisure time. In comparison with younger
consumers, the food intake per head for
older consumers is lower in quantity, but
as a group they tend to focus more
strongly on quality and health. This consumer segment is thus of particular interest
as regards demand for organic products.
In Switzerland there are more than 3
million private households, a figure which
continues to rise. This is not just a result
of population growth but also of decreasing household size. Smaller households
have a greater demand for high value and
pre-processed products, and for smaller
quantities per package. They are also less
price conscious than larger households
and they dine out more frequently. They
are less inclined to choose organic
products than larger households and
families with children.
2.1.2
Employment
In Switzerland the proportion of working
people above 15 years is about 68%.
Almost 77% of all men and 59% of all women in this age bracket were employed in
2002. The distribution of employment by
economic sectors shows 4% of Swiss
employment to be in agriculture and forestry, 25% in industry and 71% in the service sector (see Table 1).
Table 1: Proportion of population employed and
its distribution across sectors in 2002
Men
Women
Switzerland
77%
EU
73%
59%
4%
53%
5%
25%
71%
39%
56%
Agriculture (Primary Sector)
Industry (Secondary Sector)
Service Sector (Tertiary Sector)
Source: EUROSTAT, 2002
As a consequence of the high employment rate, leisure time in Switzerland is in
ever-shorter supply. Domestic chores are
increasingly farmed out to service providers, and even for food shopping less time
is available.
2.1.3
Consumer prices and spending patterns
Consumer prices have risen considerably
in the last few years. In the period between 1997 and 2003, food price inflation
was 8.2%, slightly above the average
inflation rate for consumer goods and
services in Switzerland. In the same
period, producer prices for farmers have
dropped by 9.2% and is now only 90.8%
of the 1997 price level.
Only 8.4% of all consumer spending
in 2001 was allocated to foods and beverages, in line with the falling trend that has
continued for decades and will persist in
future. The main reason for this is the
increasing expenditure on insurances,
vacations and spare time activities.
12
2.2
Consumption trends for
organic products
2.2.1
Current trends
Although a series of external influences
have affected demand for organic products positively in the last few years, there
are also consumer trends in Switzerland
which counteract higher demand for organic products.
A growing group of quality oriented and
price-conscious shoppers
In future, Swiss consumers will become
(even) more critical and price conscious
when purchasing food. This is conditioned
by their high level of education, food scandals, and the growing significance of low
prices in the marketing of mass-market retail chains. This means that the most successful marketing of organic products will
be achieved where the price premium over
conventionally produced products is perceived to be moderate, while organic producers and marketing bodies at the same
time project a credible image.
Growing awareness of health and fitness
issues
Growing numbers of people, especially
older consumers, are focusing on the health aspects of their diet. Younger consumers aspire to ideals of well-being (or
“wellness”, as it is termed in German-speaking countries). Trend researchers therefore anticipate that demand will grow for
organic and diet foods.
Growing awareness of regional specialities
Identification with the home region will increase as a reaction against globalization.
Imported products, especially those which
could be produced in Switzerland, are
greeted with scepticism by certain Swiss
consumers.
Growing awareness of environmental
issues
The Swiss population has been relatively
well sensitized to environmental issues.
The involvement of the individual in environmental issues and active concern over
food may well increase further. That is a
good prerequisite for further growth in the
market volume of organic products.
The trend to keep up with trends
One of the key influences on modern consumption patterns is that exerted by the
media in general and advertising in particular. This will heighten the trend to purchase according to brand awareness. In
this environment it is important for companies marketing organic products to possess a strong brand and to maintain a media presence.
Hybrid purchasing patterns
Purchasing patterns vary according to situation, mood, and the product required.
Thus today it is rare to find one standardized consumer group or consumption pattern. Instead, buying behaviour often follows parallel or even contradictory “hybrid”
trends. Organic food and convenience
food, for example, can be combined without apparent problems.
2.2.2
Consumption patterns for
organic products
Organic foods are by no means novel
products on the Swiss market. It is more
than 50 years since farmers realized the
benefits of organic practices on their
farms. However the increase in demand
has only come to the attention of the food
industry and trade in the last 20 years.
The increased demand for organic foods
is predicated on a variety of key factors:
• Food safety: Food scandals such as
BSE repeatedly undermine consumer
confidence. Consumers question the
safety of food production and intensive
conventional agriculture
• Environmental awareness: Most
consumers have been sensitized to environmental issues. Themes such as
pesticide residues, recycling and sustainable agriculture are widely debated.
• Animal welfare: Consumers are sensitive about intensive livestock rearing
which does not fulfil animal welfare requirements.
• Media attention: Television, radio and
print media constantly draw the population’s attention to food safety, environmental issues and animal welfare.
• Credibility: Certification systems, label
programmes and standards established by legislation have ensured a
greater degree of credibility for organic
foods. Consumers can now have more
faith in the authenticity of the products.
13
• Availability: Since the two largest
Swiss supermarket chains COOP and
Migros have begun to market organic
products actively, it has become more
convenient to purchase organic foods.
The scope of the organic range in the
supermarket chains is also growing
continuously.
• Level of education: Studies have
shown that consumers of organic
products tend to have a higher level of
education.
There is a parallel range of factors restricting the growth of the market for organic
foods:
• Price: A high price-differential between
organic products and conventionally
produced foods is the most powerful
limiting factor on demand. However, in
comparison to other European countries (Germany, for example) the price
differential between organic and conventionally produced foods is lower in
Switzerland.
• Trade and processing structures:
One reason for high prices for organic
produce is that distribution is often
rather inefficient and involves many
intermediaries (separate collection of
organic produce in minimal quantities).
With increasing availability, larger quantities and more efficient distribution, the
price-differential over conventional produce will fall.
• Availability: Many branches of the
mass-market retail chains still lack a
full selection of organic products (e.g.
of fruits). This is coupled with the fact
that the organic range does not keep
pace with every general trend in consumption (e.g. in deep-frozen foods or
convenience products). Not only that,
there are product sectors in which potential demand far exceeds the available supply (e.g. pork, poultry meat).
14
• Quality issues: In some product
groups (for example fruit) the organic
products do not always come up to
the same visual quality standard as
conventional products. Organic products are more prone to show signs of
ageing due to their slower turnover
rate.
• GMO-free production: Neither Swiss
nor EU standards for organic products
accept the utilization of genetically
modified organisms (GMO) in production or processing.
2.2.3
Price premiums and willingness to pay for organic products
Price premiums on organic products vary
according to product group and type of
market. The average price premium on
organic products in Switzerland is
40–50%, which is higher in fruits and
vegetables and lowest in milk. The price
premiums are dictated in part by higher
production and distribution costs and
by the willingness of consumers to pay
the premium. They tend to be higher in
specialist organic food stores/natural food
stores and lower in supermarkets and
mainstream consumer outlets. In the
latter two market types, premiums for the
following product groups are approximately:
•
•
•
•
•
Milk/dairy products:
Vegetables:
Potatoes:
Cereals/cereal products:
Fruits and nuts:
10%
40–80%
50%
40–50%
50–60%
The majority of consumers accept a premium for organic products of between 10
and 30%, with a somewhat greater willingness to pay the premium for plant products produced to organic standards than
for organically produced animal products.
People are willing to pay a higher premium
for speciality products.
2.3
Organic agricultural production in Switzerland
Organic agriculture has undergone dynamic development in Switzerland over
the last 10 years. Since the early 1990s it
has been acknowledged and promoted by
In terms of area, the most significant organic crops grown in Switzerland are
bread cereals, fodder cereals, vegetables
and potatoes. The main organic products
of animal origin are milk, dairy products,
meat or meat products and eggs. Dairy
products stand out as one of the most important product groups within organic agriculture in Switzerland as a whole.
Organic products are grown in Switzerland
on private family farms. The average size
of holding is 16 ha.
2.4
politicians and government bodies. The
area of agricultural land being farmed according to organic standards is expanding
rapidly. By the beginning of 2002 it had
reached some 103,000 ha. Since the early
1990s, the number of organic holdings
has increased almost eight-fold. By the
beginning of 2003, the number of organic
farms was 6,466. This corresponds to
10.8% of all agricultural holdings in
Switzerland. Further growth in farm conversions to organic agriculture is to be
expected in the next few years, albeit at a
less rapid growth rate.
Market partners and trade
structures
The Swiss organic market is extremely diverse: numerous small and medium-sized
firms – sometimes going back decades –
are engaged in the supply, processing and
distribution of organic products (Figures 2,
3). In 2002 organic products have been
responsible for a turnover of € 677 million,
which leads to a market share of more
Figure 1: Development of organic
agriculture between 1985 and 2002
3700
1630
1405
940
1991
485
1988
803
442
672
368
1987
1990
322
1986
1000
1985
2000
1160
3000
5300
2121
4000
4753
5000
4287
6000
5070
6169
7000
6466
Number of holdings
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1989
0
than 3.5% (Swiss info 2003). However
two supermarket chains have taken up a
dominant position as sales intermediaries:
since the entry of the two largest Swiss
supermarket chains COOP and Migros,
in the early and mid-1990s respectively,
sales of organic products have progressed
in leaps and bounds. Currently around
75% of all organic products are sold
through the two supermarket chains.
In comparison to many other European
countries, supermarket chains occupy a
dominant position in Switzerland (see
Figure 4). Furthermore there are a series
of wholesale firms, importers and agents
who have specialized in the import of
organic products (addresses in Annex IV).
Source: BIO SUISSE, 2003
15
Figure 2: Sales channels for organic products in Switzerland, 2002
Direct sales:
5%
Bakers and Butchers/
small chains:
4%
Health and
Bio shops: 16%
Coop:
50%
Migros:
25%
Source: Richter et al., 2003
Figure 3: Trade structures in the Swiss organic market (remains the same)
Producer
Processor
Exporter
Outside Switzerland
Within Switzerland
Importer
Producer
Processor
Wholesaler
Retail: Supermarket chains, natural food stores, direct sales
Final consumer
Source: FiBL
16
Figure 4: Proportion of organic products marketed through supermarket chains
in Switzerland and other European countries
Countries (organic market share in %)
Sweden (1.5–2%)
Denmark (3.5%)
Finland (1– 2%)
Great Britain (1.2%)
Austria (2.9%)
Switzerland (3–4%)
Luxembourg (1.1%)
France (1%)
Germany (2.3%)
Italy (1.2%)
Belgium (2.2%)
Greece (0.3%)
Netherlands (1.4%)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
% points
Source: Hamm et al., 2002; FiBL 2003
2.4.1
Supermarket chains
COOP has sold organic products since
the early 1990s. In 2002, sales achieved
by COOP were CHF 526 million, which
represented 50% of all organic foods.
COOP has set itself ambitious sales
targets: to double turnover in the next few
years and gain 10% of market share for
key products by 2005. COOP also owns
food-processing plants, some of which
manufacture organic products. COOP
organic products are marketed with the
BIO SUISSE label, the Knospe (“bud”).
They are also sold under COOP’s own
trademark “Naturaplan”, although under
this label animal products may be sold
which only conform to integrated production standards, since products of organic
quality are not available in sufficient quantities. The certification of COOP organic
products is carried out by bio.inspecta.
According to figures provided by COOP,
the product range extends to over 1’100
organic items and is increasing. COOP
also markets textiles made from organic
cotton under the “Naturaline” label.
The Migros bio label has become
increasingly important in Switzerland. In
2002, Migros accounted for 25% of Swiss
bio sales and the bio turnover figure was
CHF 264 million. The company strives to
reach 5–6% organic sales by 2005. Swiss
products have a definite priority. The
Migros range currently comprises some
850 organic items. Migros is also
considerably expanding its range of bio
cotton products in the clothing and home
textiles sector. These products carry the
bio cotton label.
2.4.2
Smaller retail chains
Various wholesalers exist which deal in
organic products. The USEGO-TrimercoHolding purchases products and supplies
them to over 5000 retail outlets, including
Primo supermarkets, Vis-à-Vis shops and
numerous independent retailers, many of
whom stock organic products (e.g. “Bio
Domaine” products and Knospe products). Other chains such as Volg AG (based in Winterthur), Manor (based in Basel)
and Spar (based in St. Gallen) stock organic foods. Annual sales of organic products in these retail chains are currently
around CHF 10 million and development is
far less dynamic than at COOP or Migros.
17
2.4.3
Health food stores, specialist
organic stores, direct marketing
Until the early 1990s, specialist organic
stores were the most important sales outlets for organic products, together with
farm-gate sales and weekly farmers’ markets. While organic product sales through
COOP and Migros are rising steadily, sales
of organic products through organic food
stores and health food stores have stagnated, as has the direct marketing of organic products by farmers. The annual
turnover of organic produce in health food
stores and specialist organic outlets was
CHF 160 million in 2001 and moved to
CHF 170 million in 2002. It can be clearly
observed that growth has been very low
and slow in comparison with the retail
chains. Direct sales have remained equally
static since 1997 at around CHF 50 million
per year (BIO SUISSE, 2003).
2.4.4
Catering
The marketing of organic products
through catering companies and workplace canteens is in the very early stages
of development. The turnover of organic
products is increasing quite considerably
however. Some of the main suppliers are:
SV-Service in Zürich, in cooperation with
BIO SUISSE (joint project to supply university canteens and COOP restaurants with
organic foods).
2.4.5
2.4.6
Organizations for organic
agriculture
Swiss organic farmers belong to more
than 30 different organizations, practically
all of which are members of BIO SUISSE
(see Part A 4.4.1).
2.4.7
Inspection and certification
bodies
To be marketed as organic produce, a
product must be certified by an accredited
inspection and certification body. The principal inspection and certification body in
Switzerland is bio.inspecta AG. It certifies
most of the agricultural holdings producing
to BIO SUISSE, Demeter and Migros-Bio
organic standards. The Bio Test Agro AG
firm only carries out inspections of agricultural holdings. Individual processing operations are inspected by the SQS firm
(www.sqs.com). The Institute for Market
Ecology (Institut für Marktökologie, IMO
www.imo.ch) supplements its international
activities by inspecting importers,
exporters and processing companies in
Switzerland.
E-commerce
E-commerce is not the medium of first
choice for the food sector, since it is a
difficult way to market fresh products. In
the case of organic products an additional
factor is that the target group does not
belong to the most enthusiastic group of
Internet users.
18
In the Business-to-Business sector, efforts
are being made to establish electronic
commerce. One example is the
Greentrade (http://www.greentrade.net).
However even this labours under the constraint that dealing with organic products
relies primarily on direct contacts.
2.5
Demand and volume of the
organic market in Switzerland
Today the great majority of Swiss consumers buy organic products fairly regularly.
In response to a BIO SUISSE survey, only
a quarter of respondents stated that they
bought no organic products (Figure 5).
2.6
Figure 5: Frequency of purchase
of organic products in Switzerland
Do not
buy at all
17%
Several times
a week
17%
Less than
once a week
28%
At least once
a week
38%
However, shoppers identify not only certified organic products as “organic”. Often,
true organic products are confused with
products from high-welfare livestock management, integrated production or regional
label programmes.
Importing organic products
In the past, the range of imported organic
products was fairly wide, but restricted for
a long time in terms of the quantities available, to the occasional frustration of producers, import/exporters and retailers.
This can be explained by the following
main factors:
• BIO SUISSE dominates the greater
part of the Swiss organic market. In
the year 2002, 60% of all Swiss organic products were certified according to
standards set by BIO SUISSE. BIO
SUISSE sets tough requirements for
imported products, for example insisting on whole farm organic management, refusing to award the label to
competing products, and prohibiting
air transport.
• High quality requirements imposed by
traders for organic produce.
• Logistical problems affecting imported
produce (too small quantities, inadequate distribution network).
• Many consumers of organic foods associate organic farming with regional
and seasonal production. With the entry of supermarket chains to the market, the significance of this aspect is
now declining.
Whereas in the past consumers of organic
products were mainly those who linked an
organic diet with a holistic, ecological lifestyle, today a growing number of average
consumers have a positive attitude to organic products. However, this is only
transformed into real demand by attractive
offers. Thus the entrepreneurial efforts of
retail chains in Switzerland are primarily directed towards better fulfilment of consumers’ aspirations towards healthy, natural
and enjoyable foods, but also towards
trend products produced to organic quality.
In line with the increasing demand for organic products, the Swiss organic market
is undergoing dynamic development. Turnover of certified organic products was estimated at 1,056 billion CHF (€ 677 million)
in 2002 (approx. 3.5% of the entire Swiss
food market). Around two thirds of organic
products sold in Switzerland can be produced domestically. The remainder is largely constituted of products that are not
grown in Switzerland, such as coffee or
citrus fruits. Further products are imported
to compensate for seasonal fluctuations in
supply (e.g. vegetables).
Despite these factors constraining crossborder trade in organic products, imports
of organically produced foods and beverages into Switzerland are constantly rising
due to the strong surge in demand,
especially for durum wheat, bread and
fodder cereals, Soya, rice, citrus fruits and
dried fruits. The trend for rising imports is
expected to continue in the coming years.
The increased demand for organic meat
19
and organic eggs has also enhanced
demand for fodder cereals. Currently only
around 40% of Switzerland’s total
requirement for organic cereal is produced
in Switzerland. There is really no import of
organic milk and milk products.
In general, it is recommendable to use the
services of an importer to introduce organic products into Switzerland rather
than selling them directly to the food industry or trade. Importers can provide the
exporter with information on market conditions, quality standards, market access restrictions and import formalities. Just as
importantly, they can provide the logistical
service needed in order to reach the customer quickly. In addition, many industrial
buyers prefer to obtain goods from familiar
intermediary organizations which take on
the upfront workload and costs of importation on their behalf.
2.7
Future market development
The development of the Swiss organic
market in the nineties and the first years
of the new millennium were extremely
dynamic. For the future market development, opinions differ quite significantly: the
retailers (especially COOP, which happens
to be the main retailer of organic products)
and BIO SUISSE have a more positive
vision of market development than the
processors and wholesalers. While on one
hand the processors and wholesalers
estimate for most product groups that the
market-growth will drop down from 20%
to 5–10% BIO SUISSE on the other hand
considers a doubling of the organic
market in the next 3-5 years to an organic
product sales of CHF 2 billion as realistic.
That would mean at least 20% market
growth per year.
At the moment it remains quite unclear by
which factors the organic product sales
could be driven up to 20% annual market
growth. In the last few years the growing
rates resulted in a growing penetration
rate of organic products in the market and
bigger organic assortments per retailer,
thus presently nearly each market in
Switzerland offers a sufficient organic
product assortment. The market seems
relatively matured for the moment.
20
Web information corner for the food
and organic market in Switzerland
http://naturaplan.coop.ch/
Information on the NATURA plan range
by COOP.
http://www.engagement.ch/
Overview of the Migros supermarket
chain.
http://www.miosphere.ch/
Overview of the Migros Bioproducts.
http://www.bionetz.ch
Directories of the organic food stores,
restaurants, wholesalers, food
processing in Switzerland, recipes and
free small-ads.
http://www.bio-suisse.ch/html/
e_handel_1.html
Firms licensed by BIO SUISSE to
manufacture products by Knospe
quality. Searchable database of firms
supplying organic products, including
addresses.
http://www.bio-suisse.ch/html/
e_konsumenten_2.html
Restaurants in Switzerland offering
organic products.
http://www.volg.ch
http://www.spar.ch
http://www.manor.ch
Overview of different retail chains.
High market shares and growing rates
only could be achieved by a consequent
substitution of conventional products with
organic products in retail outlets or by an
increasing distrust of consumers for the
conventional agriculture or by a higher
marketing power of the leading marketers
of organic products. There is at present no
evidence of the above three aspects.
Even if there is a dynamic rate of farm
conversions to organic farming for product
groups like milk, meat or vegetables
additional or extra efforts would be
required.
3.
Development and potential
of the Swiss organic market
by product group
Development of the organic market in
Switzerland is dynamic and there exists for
most product groups a growth potential.
This chapter provides companies wishing
to import organic products into Switzerland with detailed first-hand information
on this development and the potential for
organic products in the Swiss market.
The data is based on an expert survey
recently conducted by the Research
Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL).
Table 2: Domestic supplies and imports
in Switzerland, 2001
Domestic
produce (t)
Imports
(t)
Cereals
Oilseeds
11,800
80
67,667
8,573
Potatoes
Vegetables
Fruits (incl. Nuts)
11,000
19,700
3,600
198
5,253
10,995
Wine
Milk
10,400
191,000
Eggs
26,200
433
0
0
Product group
Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2002
Market data are not currently available for
all products. The figures on national and
international supply cannot claim to be
exhaustive (Table 2). Figure 6 below
presents estimated figures and is intended
to give an overview of the product groups.
Figure 6: Estimated import share
of Organic products in Switzerland
Coffee, cocoa and tea
Tropical fruits
Sugar and sweeteners
Oilseeds
3.1
Significance of imports in
the Swiss organic market
Natural factors limit the options for Swiss
production and restrict domestic supply.
Ever more imports are flowing into
Switzerland due to the high level of
demand. The import share differs in size
depending on the product group (Table 2
and Figure 6). However, organic products
“under conversion” have difficulties in the
Swiss market based on the starting
market situation for organic products.
Therefore, producers must sit out the
two-year conversion period before they
can export to Switzerland.
By international comparison, Switzerland
imports a lower percentage than, e.g.
Germany or England, the most important
import countries. Historically, based on the
relatively high Swiss producer price level
and the high tariffs in foreign trade with
other countries for most of the products,
there have been few exports too.
Specialities such as organic chocolate or
some cheese are an exception.
Cereals
Fresh fruits
Fresh vegetables
Wine
Potatoes
Milk and eggs
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Source: FiBL – estimates 2003
BIO SUISSE – estimates 2003
21
3.2
Current demand and potential by product group
3.2.1
Fresh and stored vegetables
Fresh vegetables were among the earliest
organic products. Over the years this
product group has gained a position of
great importance in the market. Depending on the type of outlet and the region,
over 25% of vegetables sold are of
organic quality. This is true not only of the
specialist retail trade but also of supermarkets, which now account for over 70%
of organic vegetable sales. In the last few
years, annual growth in turnover of 10%
has been registered. Growth would remain
on a lower level of 5% in the next few
years. Experts rate the future market
situation for fresh vegetables as very
good, and assess that the outlook for
stored vegetables will also remain good.
In 2002 about 10% of all vegetable sales
in Switzerland were organic. In the Supermarket COOP, the main retail sales chain
for organic products, about 15% of all
vegetables sold were organic, carrots
taking the limelight of which nearly 40%
of the sales were organic.
Significance and sources of imports
Swiss traders and retailers prefer homeproduced goods whenever possible.
Nevertheless imports take up an important
place to supplement domestic supplies
out of the local growing season and to
bridge bottlenecks in supply. This calls for
quick reactions to the market situation on
the part of exporters and importers: since
import quotas are determined weekly, they
can change quite rapidly. Measured by
quantity, imports of fresh vegetables are
constantly increasing. The primary
22
countries of origin for imported organic
vegetables are Italy and France. Smaller
quantities are imported from Spain, The
Netherlands, Austria, Israel, Canada,
China, USA and Rumania. In future, it is
expected that more vegetables will be
purchased from the Mediterranean
countries, especially in winter and from
Israel and Egypt in particular. Germany
and Austria can also be expected to
supply more organic vegetables, mainly
for the processing and winter vegetables
out of cold storage such as carrots and
onions.
Policy and trade environment
The supply of organic vegetables from the
Mediterranean region will continue to
grow. This will lead to pressure on prices
for the domestic production in Switzerland. At the same time, however, demand
from the major retail chains is increasing.
The sufficient domestic production combined with the current WTO-compliant
customs legislation practically prevents the
import of stored cabbage, celery, carrots
and beetroot. Swiss import restrictions are
the constraining factor: domestic production is protected by high trade duties
during phases of good domestic provision.
However it is enshrined in law that phase
of high duties must be interspersed with
the phases of low duties. These periods
of low trade duties mostly coincide with
periods of insufficient domestic supply
(between November and April). The
bilateral treaties between the EU and
Switzerland should have a stimulating
effect on trade in organic vegetables.
Problems and wishes of market
operators
• Most Swiss buyers prefer vegetables
from neighbouring countries. Vegetables from overseas have little prospect
of market access, since various organic labels prohibit import by air.
• Swiss importers want producers to
offer more dependable delivery, less
logistical workload and very high
quality.
• Foreign producers and Swiss importers
want more rapid processing of import
applications by the Swiss Federal
Office for Agriculture and by the
organic label organisations (e.g. BIO
SUISSE). For example, they should
have the option of submitting the accumulated documentation for a complete month rather than for each
individual consignment.
• Importers want more transparency in
relation to import quotas.
• Foreign producers would like BIO
SUISSE to harmonise its agricultural
standards with EU regulations.
3.2.2
Processed vegetables
Market situation and potential
The trend in favour of convenience food
and ready-to-serve meals has heightened
the demand for processed vegetables.
The greatest demand is for organic products of Knospe (BIO SUISSE’s “bud” label)
quality. Some firms have already specialized in this area. For example there is a
long-standing tradition of Swiss organic
vegetable juices and these are exported
worldwide. The newer firms are also interested in exporting processed vegetables.
As with fresh vegetables, over half of
these products are sold in the COOP and
Migros supermarket chains. The trend for
processed vegetables will continue to rise.
In particular, demand from the restaurant
sector is expected to grow. Experts rate
the market situation as good in the future.
Most produce of this type is grown domestically. Imported produce is supplementary in character and mainly restricted
to the supply of cauliflower, broccoli and
tomatoes. The primary source of processed vegetables is Italy. Smaller quantities
are bought from France, Hungary,
Germany and the Netherlands. There is
some limited scope on the Swiss market
for processed vegetables from overseas,
provided that they are transported by
ship. Given a similar product range,
neighbouring countries have better market
prospects since transporting goods longdistance from overseas is opposed on
ecological grounds.
The situation is similar to that of fresh vegetables (see 3.2.1). The market is not yet
as well developed, however. Accordingly
there is a lack of information. Some products are in short supply. For example,
there are too few suppliers of mushrooms.
operators
• Swiss importers want more suppliers
of processed vegetables, specifically
mushrooms.
• The problems and expectations
coincide with those applying to fresh
vegetables.
3.2.3
Fresh fruits
In Switzerland organic cultivation of pome
and stone fruit underwent a radical improvement in quantity and quality during the
1990s now reaching an amount of 4–5%
of the total inland produced fruit market
share. The cultivation of organic cherries
however has not progressed beyond an
early stage because of persistent plant
protection problems. Mass-market retail
chains have nonetheless a strong interest
to complete their organic assortment. In
addition to this the general demand for
exotic fruit (e.g. citrus, kiwi, banana,
mango etc.), also from organic production,
has increased considerably. Thus the
potential for market development is still
attractive, promising good future sales
opportunities for fruit. This is particularly
true for fruit species that are still underrepresented on the market. The market
volume for citrus fruits is currently rising by
10-20% per year. It is expected that by
2008 the market share of fresh fruit will
grow moderately but continuously.
Organic peaches are scarcely grown in
Switzerland due to the humid climate and
are thus mainly imported from Mediterranean countries. Citrus fruits and exotic
fruits are exclusively imported. Lemons
and oranges originate from Italy and
Spain. Bananas come primarily from the
Dominican Republic, Mexico, Uganda,
Peru and Cameroon. Mangoes and grapefruits come from Ghana and Cameroon;
pineapples, papaya and passion fruits
from Ghana and Uganda; figs, pears and
apricots from Turkey and berries from
Poland. Other fruits come from Israel,
Germany, Austria, Argentina and Chile.
23
3.2.4
The market for organic tropical fruits is still
new and has a significant potential in both
the delicatessen sector and normal mainstream retail outlets. The level of supply is
currently rising world wide, which will have
a positive effect on availability and prices.
As with fresh vegetables, high import
duties are imposed on local fruit varieties
at times of sufficient domestic provision.
During periods when there are shortfalls in
Swiss supply, lower import duties and high
import quotas are set for these same fruit
species.
operators
• Importers and traders want imported
exotic fruit to have a better visual
appearance and better storage
capabilities.
• Producers of tropical fruits regularly
complain of problems in adhering to
the strict BIO SUISSE standards.
Particular obstacles are the requirement for whole-farm organic management (for example affecting pineappleholdings) and the ban on imports by
air (increasing the need for postharvest treatment).
• Many consumers make no distinction
between organic and fair trade bananas. Therefore consumer information at
the point of sale should be improved.
Furthermore the use of ethylene to
accelerate the ripening process of
bananas is a matter of controversy.
• Swiss importers want greater concentration on the retail level of supply, a
general increase in supply and with
some fruit species an improvement in
specific properties.
24
Fruit juices
Apple juice, pear juice and grape juice
have been produced in Switzerland for
many years, along with juices and pulps
from various other fruits (blackcurrants,
strawberries, etc.). They have become well
established, not only in natural food stores
but also in supermarket chain outlets.
Even though by the end of the nineties
demand for apple, pear and grape-juice
increased considerably (80% growth per
year), now the main growth in the Swiss
organic juice market is in citrus juices.
Organic citrus juices have been available
in Swiss supermarkets since the year
2000. Citrus is the most important fruit in
the juice market and there still is a considerable market growth potential. Other
exotic fruit juices such as pineapple and
mango on the other hand can only be
obtained in specialist stores and rarely in
supermarkets, although there is considerable interest in these juices. Demand for
exotic juices is expected to rise step by
step in the next few years, particularly for
organic pineapple juice. Manufacturers of
foods for children feature prominently
among the buyers of tropical and exotic
fruit juices. Experts take a positive view
for future development: they expect
annual growth in sales of organic juices
to reach 20% and more for orange and
grapefruit juices and 30% for pineapple
juice. Citrus will always be the most
important organic juice among the exotic
juices especially among the imported
organic juices.
Apple, pear and grape juices originate
mainly from Switzerland. It is possible to
import small volumes from surrounding
European countries. Orange juices are
currently imported from Cuba, Brazil,
Egypt and Italy. Grapefruit juice comes
mainly from Cuba. Other provinces supply
juices in smaller quantities for use in baby
foods. Latin American countries surpass
European countries in the supply of citrus
juices because of the better quality.
The well-established market for traditional
Swiss juices (apple, pear etc.) is supplemented by organic citrus juices and exotic
fruit juices. Switzerland offers an advantageous environment for all organic juices
owing to the health conscious customers
and especially during winter and spring.
Few restrictions are likely.
operators
• For orange juice products, the greatest
problems faced by traders are inconsistent supplies and restricted availability.
Swiss importers want the reliability of
supply to improve considerably.
• Foreign producers of tropical fruits
are subject to technical cultivation
problems similar to those mentioned
in Chapter 3.2.3, although these are
less acute since the fruits are processed into juice in the country of production, eliminating the problems of postharvest treatment. Also transportation
by ship is not a problem in the case
of juices, since they can be stored for
longer periods.
3.2.5
Dried fruits and nuts
Dried fruits and nuts from organic production are relatively straightforward from the
logistical management point of view and
play a key role in composite products like
Products in this group are easy to import
into Switzerland: domestic production is
far from sufficient to meet existing
demand, and the BIO SUISSE ban on
importation of organic products by air is
not a barrier since the products ship
easily and keep well. Nuts are bought
primarily from Turkey, almonds from
California and Turkey, figs from Turkey
and dates from Tunisia and USA. Other
dried fruits and nuts come from Morocco,
Tunisia, Costa Rica, Togo, Cameroon,
Italy and other countries.
Countries in Asia and South America are
currently expanding their production and
this is likely to boost the supply of competitively priced produce of high quality.
Switzerland provides an advantageous environment for the import of dried fruits and
nuts.
operators
• Swiss importers expect dried fruits to
be of better quality (the quality of nuts
has improved dramatically in recent
years).
• Foreign producers are critical of Swiss
import quotas and want market access
to be more liberal.
• The BIO SUISSE standards also pose
problems to foreign producers because they are stricter than the EU
Regulation. Producers are hoping for
international harmonization of these
standards.
3.2.6
muesli and baked goods. Rising demand
can be expected, particularly from bakers.
Nuts are the most important product and
offer the greatest potential for growth.
Dried fruits are already well established
and available both in natural food stores
and in supermarkets. The future market
prospects are good. In the medium term,
annual growth of 5–10% can be expected.
Culinary and Medicinal herbs
Organic culinary and medicinal herbs have
long held a place in the Swiss market.
Firms such as Weleda and Bioforce have
developed top quality products and export
organic medicinal products and cosmetics
throughout the world. There is a good level of demand in Switzerland but the market has been uneven in its development.
Organic medicinal herbs are widely distributed through natural food outlets and
drugstores and market potential remains
consistently good. Of the imported culinary and tea herbs, around one third go to
organic food stores, one third to processing companies and one quarter to massmarket retail chains. The remainder are
sold by mail order. The introduction of
25
herbal teas to supermarkets has been
very successful and there is great potential. The same is true for culinary herbs.
Annual growth in turnover over the last
six years was around 15%. With annual
market growth realistically estimated at
10%, the market outlook is good.
A proportion of imported herbs, teas and
tea ingredients such as thick-skinned fruit
is picked in the wild. The requirements imposed on these projects are considerable:
adherence to organic standards, clear delineation of the picking area and the matter
to be picked, an organization chart for the
project, a confirmation of ecological safety
and an official picking permit. The proportion of organic herbs and teas collected in
the wild is estimated to be less than 5%
(no survey data available).
Domestic production is not sufficient to
meet the Swiss demand for herbs. Nonetheless, it is clearly given preference for
quality reasons (fresh processing), espe-
Countries of export, both in Europe (Germany, Italy, Austria, England) and overseas
(China, Sri Lanka etc.), are strongly expanding production. Furthermore, new
suppliers from Eastern Europe and South
America (Chile) are forcing their way into
the market. Heightened competition in
terms of quality and price must now be
expected. The quality requirements will
rise in future, particularly with regard to the
issue of residue-free products.
operators
• Swiss importers repeatedly find fault
with the quality of herbs from small
farmers’ projects and call for better advice and training for producers as well
as professional quality management.
• Foreign producers must take care to
prevent residues of synthetic crop protection agents (resulting from spray
drift from neighbouring fields under
conventional cultivation). This could
become an increasing problem for tea
since more processing is taking place
in non-organic processing plants.
• The problem of availability varies according to product group. Swiss importers want continuity of delivery.
Problems in cultivation and storage
should be reported in good time so
that bottlenecks in supply can be rectified more easily.
• The herb and spice trade often consists of small cargoes and therefore
suffers disproportionately from administrative obstacles and the high costs
of certification.
3.2.7
cially in the case of medicinal herbs. Imported medicinal herbs are predominantly
drawn from surrounding European countries. Spices come from many countries of
origin: Albania, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India,
Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Nicaragua, Croatia, France, Hungary and Madagascar. Domestic tea production is able
to meet around 20% of demand. Herbal
teas are imported from Argentina, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and
Turkey and in small quantities from France,
Tanzania, Sri Lanka and India. Black and
green tea comes from Sri Lanka, India,
China and Nepal.
26
Cereals and cereal products
Cereals and cereal products play a key
role in the organic market. Today they are
among the top-selling organic products in
Switzerland. The main buyers of organic
cereals are flour mills, muesli manufacturers and fodder manufacturers. From there,
cereal is moved to bakeries or directly to
the retail trade. In the last few years, the
market for cereal products has shown
steady growth of 10–20%. The most
important product is organic bread.
Even in supermarkets a good and varied
selection is now available. Both wholesalers and retailers assess the future growth
potential as good and expect continued
annual sales growth of 5–10%. In the
fodder cereals sector, the rising demand
for organically produced eggs and pork
will increase the need for imported fodder
cereals.
In past years, Switzerland has imported
up to 90% of its organic cereals. Cereals
are sourced above all from the USA and
Canada. Other countries of origin are
Ukraine, Brazil, China, Hungary, Austria,
Argentina, Australia, France, Italy, Spain,
Israel and Morocco. Fodder cereals come
from Ukraine, Rumania, Hungary and
Germany. Organic rice is imported from
China and Thailand.
In the future, attractively priced offerings
are likely to be forthcoming from Eastern
Europe. This will raise the level of competition for Swiss producers and for imports
from other countries. The Swiss cereal
market is tightly regulated. Importers are
obliged to take a proportion of domestically produced cereal together with imported
bread cereals (“domestic contribution”).
Moreover the quantity of imports is subject
to quotas. The import of fodder is not
restricted, however.
operators
• Swiss importers want cereals of better
quality and better continuity of supply.
• Foreign cereal producers report a certain amount of difficulty with the high
standards of the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance (whole-farm organic
management).
• Traders and producers are critical of
the major barriers imposed by BIO SUISSE to the attestation of equivalence
of products. Traders want harmonization of Swiss standards with European
standards.
3.2.8
Oil-seeds and oil products
The organic oil and oil-seed market has
seen major development in the past few
years and has now become broadly established. Culinary oils produced to organic standards are imported by mediumsized and large trading companies, massmarket retail chains (Migros, Coop,
Jumbo), by the processing industry, flour
mills, natural food stores and restaurant
and catering businesses. Organic olive oil
in particular has gained ground in recent
years; growth in turnover at mass-market
retailer level has reached a high level.
The other oils have also achieved sales
growth of up to 35% in recent years.
Swiss buyers are gradually reporting a
saturation of demand for sunflower, thistle,
linseed, hemp, olive and soya oil produced
of organic quality. Since 2004, the use of
conventional fodder is restricted. The
usage of by-products from oil and oilseeds
is only allowed if they are of organic quality. In the next few years, growth in this
sector will slow to 10% per year.
A large proportion of organic oil and oilseed is imported. The most important
countries of supply for oil are Argentina,
Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, South Africa,
Australia, the USA, Canada, Hungary, Italy,
Austria and Romania.
The saturation of the Swiss market is
dampening the optimism of various Swiss
importers. High duties on pre-processed
oils and oil-seeds are impeding access to
the Swiss market and adding to the cost
of imports. In future, increasing supply and
growing competition can be expected on
the international stage.
27
operators
• Oils awarded the BIO SUISSE Knospe
(“bud”) label are substantially more expensive than products without Knospe
certification. Importers and wholesalers
aim to be more cost-conscious when
purchasing, and want a homogenization of price levels. This would facilitate
access to the market and give it fresh
impetus for growth.
• Importers hope for further liberalization
for international trade (reduction of tariffs and fiscal duties) to ease import restrictions.
situation for protein crops is currently
good, with modest annual sales growth
(maximum 10%). The opportunities for
development are limited since annual sales
growth is unlikely to rise above 10% and is
thus below the general growth rate of the
organic market in Switzerland.
The import share is very high in this product group. Lupins and peas are primarily
imported from Hungary, the USA, Canada,
China, Brazil and Argentina. Soya comes
from the USA, Canada, Argentina, Italy,
Hungary, Austria, Romania, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil and
Australia.
International supply is increasing but
Swiss demand remains modest. This means that despite good general conditions
(no duties or special regulations) Switzerland as a national market is not of great
interest for protein crops.
• More distant countries of production
have recurring difficulties with continuity of supply and with certification.
Availability and continuity can be addressed by selecting suppliers with different harvest times.
Organic oil-seeds can become contaminated through inappropriate cleaning of
transport vehicles. For this reason, imported produce must undergo costly laboratory testing to check its GM0-free status.
However there are often discrepancies
between the test results of different
laboratories on the same produce.
3.2.9
Protein crops
Beans, peas, lentils, soya beans and other
protein crops are subsidiary elements in
the Swiss organic selection in terms of
value and quantity. Accordingly the momentum of this segment is fairly modest.
Its significance in completing the range
should not be underestimated, however.
The principal purchaser of protein crops
is the processing industry. The market
28
operators
The overriding problem is the low consumption of protein crops in Switzerland.
With the new regulations in animal feeding
the demand for organic protein crops will
increase in 2004 marginally. However
considering the coming regulation of 100%
organic fodder in animal feed in 2009 the
organic market will expect an increased
demand for protein crops for fodder.
3.2.10
Wine
Switzerland is one of the most attractive
wine markets. Consumption per head is
one of the highest in the world (comparable with southern Europe). About
23,000 hl of organic wine is consumed
per year, of which 10,000 hl is produced
in Switzerland and 13,000 hl is imported.
There are about 250 ha of organic wine
area in Switzerland of the total of 15,000
ha under wine cultivation. The organic
wine consumed is 0.8% of the total
consumption. The organic wine produced
in Switzerland is mostly sold directly, but
retail chains like Coop, Delinat, and Weinhandlung am Küferweg market those imported. Organic wine occupies an important position in the organic product selection and is a luxury item. Annual growth
over the next few years is expected to be
5%. Overall the organic wine market will
continue to develop well.
More red wine is produced, imported and
consumed than white wine. Organic red
wine is imported for the most part, mainly
from the wine-growing countries of
southern Europe: France, Italy, Spain,
Croatia and Portugal. Small quantities also
come from Austria and Germany. Organic
rum comes mainly from Paraguay.
For organic wine from Europe, the conditions in Switzerland are advantageous.
There is no fear of competitors from out-
5–10% is expected for the next few
years. Due to obligation to use organic
sugar in the processing industry and in
parallel to the growing market for organic
convenience foodstuffs, the demand for
organic sugar will steadily grow in the
near future.
Organic sugar is mostly an imported
product at present. Few years ago a
Swiss processor did set up a domestic
production unit of organic sugar of Swiss
and Southern Germany sugar beets.
However imports are still important
especially for cane sugar. Swiss importers
obtain their organic cane sugar mainly
from Paraguay, Costa Rica and Brazil.
Smaller quantities also come from the
Philippines. Maple syrup is imported
from Canada.
Additional importers (including importers of
conventional products) are likely to enter
the sugar business due to the attractive
market prognosis. Since conventional importers can obtain a higher quota allocation due to the greater quantities they can
trade overall, a significant increase in competition can be expected between large
conventional importers and the smaller importers of natural foods.
side Europe (at least for the time being)
since the most important wine importers
steer clear of organic wine from overseas
for quality reasons (personal contact with
producers) and for ecological motives
(transport).
The import of sugar is subject to quotas
(regardless of whether it is from organic or
conventional production). Furthermore,
relatively high import duties are charged
since imported organic sugar is competing
with conventionally produced Swiss sugar.
operators
Even though the present quality of organic
wine is considered good it is important
that quality standards are preserved and
even further improved.
3.2.11
Sugar
Organic sugar is sent mostly to the
processing industry. There is also a
demand from the retail trade since the
supermarkets also sell organic sugar. As
availability has improved in the last few
years, the market has begun to show
positive development. Traders reported
growth in turnover of 10–15% in the
1997–2000 period. There is very good
potential in the retail sector and the
processing industry. Annual growth of
29
operators
• Now as in the past, the market for
imported organic sugar suffers from
deficiencies in quality, shortages and
fluctuations in availability. Swiss
importers want greater continuity of
supply and an improvement in quality.
For the next few years it has been
suggested that European advisors
should help to coordinate production
and marketing in the countries of
supply.
• Foreign producers are critical of the
high costs arising from multiple certification and hope for a simplification of
the certification process.
3.2.12
Honey
At present no certified organic honey is
produced in Switzerland. Organic honey in
Switzerland is mostly produced by hobby
bee-keepers who sell it privately; very few
supply it to stores etc. Greater amounts
of organic honey are in demand from the
processing industry and smaller amounts
from natural food outlets. For the supermarket chains, organic honey is still a
relatively new concept but their entry is as
good as certain and will clearly stimulate
the market. Accordingly potential is good
for the next few years. An annual increase
of 15–20% is expected.
BIO SUISSE did not regulate organic
honey production in Switzerland until
2003. Therefore only honey from other
provinces could gain BIO SUISSE certification. Organic honey is 100% imported
and comes from Nicaragua, France and
Argentina. For 2004, BIO SUISSE announced the inclusion of organic honey
production in their standards. Therefore,
Swiss production of organic honey is
expected to rise significantly. Growth of
Swiss organic honey production will
depend to a large extent on the certification costs too.
Various countries in Latin America have
begun producing organic honey very recently or will commence production soon.
30
operators
• Domestic and foreign producers want
BIO SUISSE to begin awarding the
Knospe label to honey in the near
future.
• Development of organic bee keeping
model-farms that would help in the
systemisation and the standardisation
processes.
3.2.13
Coffee
The sustainable coffee market (organic
and Fair Trade) in Switzerland has many
years of history, thanks to initiatives of
some roasters and thanks to Max
Havelaar who successfully promoted sustainable coffee during the last decade.
The Swiss sustainable coffee market is
already in a mature state. The market
share of sustainable coffee in Switzerland
was 3.5% in 2001 (5.5% in retail-market),
one of the highest market shares in
Europe. In comparison to the small size of
the country, a relatively large number of
companies are involved in the sustainable
coffee business. However, now the number is increasing slowly.
Most organic coffees in the Swiss market
are doubly certified with Organic and Fair
Trade labels and therefore organic coffees
without Fair Trade labels practically do not
exist on the Swiss market. Organic coffee
makes up for about 25% of all sustainable
coffee. Actually, there is a clear shift from
Fair Trade to doubly certified Fair Trade
and organic coffee. Especially the large
supermarket-chains now demand more
and more doubly certified sustainable coffee. The Swiss sustainable coffee market
grew constantly until the year 2000 (total
1700 t). Growth opportunities for sustainable coffee in Switzerland will be rather modest for the next 2–5 years.
The Swiss are frequent coffee drinkers.
Preferred coffees are light-ones, often
consumed as milk-coffee. These are
mostly 100% arabicas. However, robustas
are increasingly used for the growing
espresso-market. Some of the presently
available sustainable coffees are also
blends. Sustainable coffee in Switzerland
is generally considered high quality coffee,
i.e. coffee in the upper segment of the
product range. 74% of the sustainable
coffee (990 t roasted coffee) is sold
through the supermarket chains Coop,
Migros, Manor and VOLG. Main growth is
expected in the supermarket channel as
well as in the institutional and out of home
channels. The specialised retail channel
(speciality coffee shops, fair trade and
world shops, organic food stores) has lesser growth prospects.
For climatic reasons, 100% of organic
coffee is imported into Switzerland. Fair
Trade and organic coffees for the Swiss
market are being imported in decreasing
order of importance from: Mexico,
Colombia. Venezuela, Guatemala, Congo,
Nicaragua, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica,
Honduras, Paraguay and Tanzania.
There are some projects to import organic
(not Fair Trade) coffee also from other
provinces.
Mexico is the undisputed leader in organic
coffee and very well established in
Switzerland. But the positive image of organic coffee in Switzerland also facilitates
the access of other countries to the Swiss
market. This may heighten competition.
operators
Swiss importers, roasters and traders see
the following key constraints in the expansion of sustainable coffee:
• Retention of quality is extremely important. Most of the importers laud the
quality of the available organic coffee
but point out that further improvement
can still be achieved.
• Reliability in all its facets is considered
of high to very high importance. Some
of the importers have had bad experiences with suppliers of sustainable
coffee. Contracted volumes were not
respected, delivery dates were not met
and certificates were not presented in
time etc.
• Price is considered important, but not
exclusively so. Quality is much more
important than price. Growers should
therefore realise, that their product in
Switzerland is considered a top of the
line product. The quality conscious
Swiss are willing to pay considerably
more for a product of good quality.
This characteristic is decisive for strategic planning by producers, processors, traders and retailers.
• Clarity between the different types of
certification and standards is considered important for both Fair Trade and
organic produce. Organic standards
are secured in European legislation but
the Fair Trade Standards are not.
3.2.14
Cocoa
In the early days of the organic movement
(1990–1995), certified organic chocolate
was produced by small and sometimes
new companies with focus on a niche,
and the products were sold primarily in
health-food stores or speciality shops.
Today, supermarkets also sell these specialised products, but production is still dominated by relatively small and mediumsized chocolate manufacturers with unique
brands. Some of them have added other
labels to their products in compliance with
other sustainability criteria e.g. Fair Trade.
Most of the large and traditional manufacturers of well-known branded products in
Europe (e.g. Cadbury and Nestle, just to
mention a few) are not yet in the organic
niche or are only just about to make their
entry.
Cocoa plays an important role in the processing industry. The bulk of imported
cocoa goes from processing firms via
wholesalers to the organic food trade and
Third World shops. Although supermarkets have sold little organic chocolate so
far, there is considerable interest. The
market for organic cocoa has developed
very well to date. Annual market growth in
the last three years reached 10–15%.
Since Swiss organic chocolate can be
exported, and interest from the large
supermarkets in organic chocolate is also
set to increase, significant sales growth is
likely in future (5–10% annually).
100% of Switzerland’s organic cocoa is
imported. The main source countries are
the Dominican Republic, Bolivia and
Madagascar. New sources of organic
cocoa for Switzerland from Latin America
are in preparation.
The prospects for export make Switzerland an interesting country for organic
chocolate. The quality and reputation of
Swiss chocolate have a positive effect on
the national and international demand for
organic chocolate.
31
operators
One important question for cocoa producers is, how to meet the requirements of
the international market and the importer.
Swiss cocoa importers give the following
answers to these questions:
• From the European importers’ point of
view, lack of quality and lack of continuity are the main obstacles. They
would like the supply to expand. This
would also help to even out fluctuations in harvest, such as those resulting from natural disasters.
• Producers, traders and European importers mention that it is necessary to
reduce the workload for certification
and label schemes and to harmonise
the standards. For example a situation
can arise whereby the same chocolate
that is sold in the EU as a completely
organic product can only be certified
as produce under conversion in
Switzerland. Therefore Swiss importers
often bring in the goods via an EU
country. This rather unreasonable
diversion can be prevented and the
produce directly imported into Switzerland as fully organic.
• Government bodies in the countries
of export want to see administrative
procedures in the importing countries
simplified.
3.2.15
Seeds, Seedlings and
ornamental plants
Switzerland has nearly no organic seed
production except for cereals and potatoes and most of the agricultural and
garden- ornamental seeds are imported
even though the market is quite large. For
some years the agricultural standards
have stipulated that even the seedlings
used in agriculture must be produced to
organic standards. This requirement has
brought an interesting market into being
and stimulated domestic cultivation. The
market for imported seedlings has developed dynamically in recent years (annual
sales growth of 10–15%). About 12 companies in Switzerland are now producing
organic seedlings. The main buyers are
organic vegetable producers. In future the
two most important wholesale distributors
will also offer seedlings from abroad. As
the market matures, the boom may well
begin to tail off. The market for ornamental
plants is developing on a similar scale.
32
While ornamental plants are almost exclusively produced in Switzerland and, apart
from a few trial promotions, no market for
foreign plants has developed; imports of
seedlings take place mainly from the
Netherlands and for seeds from the
Netherlands, Germany and France. The
countries supplying organic ornamental
plants are the Netherlands, Italy and
Germany. Domestic production is
constantly rising. In the medium term the
demand for imports will focus on specialities.
Rising domestic production will force out
the imports step by step. There will always
be demand for specialities such as grafted
tomatoes from abroad.
operators
• The main problems from the trader’s
point of view are the regulations on
seeds and seedlings under both national legislation and BIO SUISSE
standards. The obligation to use
organic seedlings despite the shortage
of supply has driven prices to excessive levels. The standards for seeds
are also very high which include seed
health and vigour.
• The industry wants the Swiss authorities
to make the authorisation process
easier (certificate for the entire production series and not for every delivery).
• The trader wants BIO SUISSE to issue
clear directions on which requirements
are essential and which are optional.
3.2.16 Textiles
Textiles made from organic cotton are very
much in demand in Switzerland thanks to
several yarn traders like Remei and retailers like COOP. The aim is to manufacture
all cotton products exclusively from organically produced cotton. In the past few
years, annual sales growth of 45% has
been achieved. The potential is excellent.
Growth should only weaken slightly to
around 30% per year in the next few
years.
100% of organic cotton is imported and
comes primarily from India, Turkey, Egypt
and Tanzania. Processing takes place in
Switzerland, India, Germany, Greece,
Portugal, Lithuania, Croatia and other
countries.
Based on the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU with regard
to the international trade activities only
import of organic cheese is allowed in
Switzerland. There is really no import of
organic milk or milk products. Also in the
future only certain types of internationally
BIO SUISSE does not award the Knospe
label to textiles. The environment for the
import of organic cotton into Switzerland
is very good however and is virtually
unaffected by administrative barriers.
operators
The stipulations regarding processing are
still somewhat varied. The international
association of the natural textile industry
(Internationaler Verband der Naturtextilwirtschaft e.V, IVN) has attempted to
harmonize standards by uniting manufacturers, traders and exporters in a two-level
label system and an associated quality
control process consisting of factory and
product inspections.
3.2.17
Milk and dairy products
During the last five years the demand for
organic milk has grown faster than the
supply development. However, the recent
large conversion of dairy farms and a decelerated supply in some regions developed in these regions a situation of oversupply. This led the organic dairy producers organisations in Switzerland to
co-ordinate the supply development and
steer the produced organic milk properly.
In the last few years the demand for organic milk increased by 10–20% annually
and steadily. In the next few years an annual growth of organic milk supply of
5–10% is expected. Organic milk products
in Switzerland are quite popular with the
consumers. In 2002 nearly 10% of the
consumed milk was organically produced,
it had a market share of 9% and cheese
and yoghurt had a market share between
3–4%.
famous organic cheese from France and
Italy will have a chance to be imported.
The volume of the demand for imported
cheese strongly depends on the activities
of the retail chains COOP and Migros in
the future. Only certain international specialities like Parmesan have good chances
to get imported.
Imported products have only been found
in natural food stores until now. Organic
cheese is mainly imported from France
and to some extent from Italy. Import of
meat and meat products is so far insignificant and not really expected to rise in the
near future.
The government based restrictions on the
importation of milk and milk products and
the protection of BIO SUISSE for the domestic dairy farmers in a presently sensitive market situation would clearly restrict
imports.
operators
Foreign producers and traders want BIO
SUISSE to award the Knospe label to
more products including cheese and other
dairy products in future.
33
4.
Requirements and conditions relating to access for
organic imports
4.1
Customs regulations and
value-added tax
For organic products the general customs tariffs and regulations apply. High
customs duties are levied on a range of
agricultural products such as sugar, vegetable oils and dairy products. For some
products special import licences are also
necessary which are only granted to Swiss
importers. Higher customs duties are
levied on processed products than on raw
materials. For the import of meat and fish
products, sanitary certificates are also
required. Further details are contained in
the Swiss Ordinance on agricultural imports (Schweizerische Agrareinfuhrverordnung, SR 916.01).
As in the EU, preferential customs duties may be applied to imports of certain
agricultural products from emerging markets and markets in transition in accordance with the Swiss tariff preferences
system (Generalized System of Preferences), and these are lower than the tariffs
generally applicable (SR 946.39) (see
www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/94.html). Imports
from Least Developed Countries are
exempted from customs duties for the
majority of headings in the customs tariffs.
A complete and up-to-date list of customs
tariffs may be obtained on request from
the Swiss Federal Customs Administration
(Eidgenössische Zollverwaltung) (see
www.afd.admin.ch/d/firmen/import/
zolltarif.php).
Importers pay a value-added tax of 2.4%
on foodstuffs that they bring into Switzerland. The VAT rate is the same for both
imported goods and those produced in
Switzerland.
4.2
Requirements laid down in
the legislation on food
Both organically and conventionally-produced foods, irrespective of whether or not
they are imported, are subject to Swiss
laws and ordinances relating to foodstuffs
(see web information corner at the end of
this chapter):
• The Food Act (Lebensmittelgesetz SR
817.0) and the Ordinance on food
(Lebensmittelverordnung SR 817.02):
these form the cornerstone of food
legislation in Switzerland.
34
• Ordinance on foreign substances
and constituents in foods (Verordnung über Fremd- und Inhaltstoffe in
Lebensmitteln, short name: Fremdund Inhaltstoffverordnung SR
817.021.23): lays down the maximum
permissible concentrations of plant
protection products and growth regulators, heavy metals, pharmacological
substances, microbial toxins, radionuclides, nitrates and nitrites, etc.
• Ordinance on additives permissible
in foodstuffs (Verordnung über die in
Lebensmitteln zulässigen Zusatzstoffe,
short name: Zusatzstoffverordnung SR
817.021.22): contains a list of substances and preparations that are positively permitted and a list of the applications of different additives together
with their maximum permissible
amounts; it also regulates the declaration of additives.
• Ordinance on hygiene and microbiological requirements relating to
foodstuffs, objects in contact with
foodstuffs, workrooms and staff
(Verordnung über die hygienischmikrobiologischen Anforderungen an
Lebensmittel, Gebrauchsgegenstände,
Räume und Personal, short name:
Hygieneverordnung SR 817.051): lays
down tolerance levels for micro-organisms in foodstuffs and drinking water.
• Ordinance on nutritional value
(Nährwertverordnung SR 817.021.55):
regulates labelling relating to food nutrition (indications of energy values and
nutritional content).
• Ordinance on indication of country
of origin of foodstuffs, ingredients
and raw materials used in foodstuffs (Verordnung über die Angabe
des Produktionslandes von Lebensmitteln, Lebensmittelzutaten und Rohstoffen, short name: Rohstoffdeklarationsverordnung SR 817.021.51): stipulates
that the country of origin of individual
raw materials in a food product must
be indicated as well as that of the food
product itself.
• Ordinance on the measurement
and declaration of quantities relating to goods for trade and transportation purposes (Verordnung über
das Abmessen und die Mengendeklaration von Waren in Handel und Verkehr, short name: Deklarationsverordnung SR 941.281): regulates indications of quantity (weight, volume, etc.)
relating to foodstuffs and the corresponding declarations both for foodstuffs that are sold loose and those
sold in pre-packaged form.
These ordinances relate mainly to foodstuffs packaged for the consumer and are
not directly relevant to bulk imports. Exporters should nevertheless take these requirements into consideration since the final products processed from imported raw
materials must comply with them.
This is intended to protect organic products from abuses and improve market
transparency. Organic products must
comply with strict requirements concerning production and processing and be
subject to inspection by a competent and
independent inspection body. The state
acts in a supervisory capacity as regards
inspection.
4.3
Important amendments of the Swiss
Organic Farming Ordinance:
• From 1st of January 2001, animal
products (production, processing and
trade) are regulated by the Organic
Farming Ordinance. This is equivalent
to the EU-regulation 1788/2001.
• 2004 onwards, the labelling and
inspection of organic fodder will be
regulated.
The Swiss Organic Farming
Ordinance
Swiss organic products must comply with
the requirements set out in the Swiss
Organic Farming Ordinance. This also
includes compliance with:
• Documentation of ecological services
(Ökologischer Leistungsnachweis, SR
910.13) (a prerequisite for direct payments)
• Ordinance on animal protection (Tierschutzverordnung SR 455, 455.1)
• Ordinance on protection of water resources and the aquatic environment
(Gewässerschutzverordnung SR 814.2,
814.201)
• Ordinance on outdoor access
for livestock (RAUS-Verordnung
SR 910.132.5)
Imported organic products must conform
to equivalent conditions.
In addition, the Ordinance on direct payments in agriculture (Verordnung über die
Direktzahlungen in der Landwirtschaft SR
910.13) also contains provisions relating to
organic farming. It forms the basis for the
disbursal of ecologically motivated direct
payments in Switzerland and is an expression of the Swiss agricultural policy objective to promote organic farming. It is not
relevant, however, for foreign producers
and trading companies.
4.3.1
Objectives of the Organic
Farming Ordinance
The Swiss Ordinance on organic farming
and the labelling of organically produced
products and foodstuffs (termed in the
following Organic Farming Ordinance;
Verordnung über die biologische Landwirtschaft und die Kennzeichnung biologisch
produzierter Erzeugnisse und Lebensmittel, short name: Bio-Verordnung
SR 910.18 and 910.181) came into force
on January 1, 1998 and is based on
Article 18 of the Agriculture Act (Landwirtschaftsgesetz SR 910.1). It lays down the
basic requirements that a product must
fulfil in order to be designated “organic”.
4.3.2
Scope and labelling
applicable to the same products as EU
Regulation No. 2092/91 on Organic
Production:
• Unprocessed agricultural crop, animal
breeding and animal products.
• Processed agricultural crop and animal
products intended for human consumption, composed essentially of
ingredients of plant or animal origin.
• Feed material and fodder for animal
breeding.
The Ordinance on Organic Farming is not
applied to aquaculture and its products.
For these products, the Swiss Federal
Office for Agriculture does not provide individual authorisations (see chapter 4.3.6).
Agricultural products may only be labelled
as organic products if they comply with
the provisions of the Organic Farming
Ordinance. The following terms or their
usual derivatives (such as bio, eco) are
protected under Swiss law (for other
languages see the EU Regulation, which
stipulates “organic” for English, for
example):
• German: “biologisch”, “ökologisch”
• French: “biologique”
• Italian: “biologico”
Labelling remains voluntary. Where products are labelled as organic, however, they
must conform to the relevant provisions
of the Organic Farming Ordinance. In
Switzerland at present there is no government label for organic products, but there
are various private labelling schemes.
35
4.3.3
How the Swiss Ordinance
compares to the BIO SUISSE
Standards
Reciprocal recognition of
organic imports,
Switzerland-EU
Most of the private labelling schemes both
in Switzerland and in the EU go further
than the minimum requirements of the
Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance and the
EU Regulation on Organic Production.
Before the Swiss Organic Farming
Ordinance came into force, the standards
that were applied to the production and
marketing of organic products were
primarily those set out by BIO SUISSE.
Producers and traders that have been
certified as conforming to the BIO SUISSE
Standards may identify their products
using the Knospe (“bud”) label after signing a contract with BIO SUISSE.
If a product has been approved in accordance with EU Regulation No. 2092/91 on
Organic Production, then it can be approved automatically as organic in Switzerland
too, and vice versa. The terms of the
WTO/GATT treaties and the bilateral treaties between Switzerland and the EU
stipulate that barriers to trade must not be
allowed to come into being. Since 1st of
June 2003, the bilateral agricultural agreement between Switzerland and the
European Union came into force. It states
that the organic regulations for both parties are equivalent. Exceptions ought to be
mentioned in annex 9 (so far only Swiss
products in conversion are mentioned).
4.3.4
The additional conditions imposed by the
Swiss Ordinance compared to the EU
Regulation are therefore not applicable to
imports into Switzerland from the EU. In
order to comply with the requirements of
private labelling schemes, however, conditions such as whole-farm conversion and
other additional conditions may be imposed on imports from abroad, i.e. also on
those from the EU.
How the Swiss Ordinance
compares to the EU Regulation on Organic Production
was modelled on EU Regulation No.
2092/91on Organic Production. In addition, various amendments have been
made to the Swiss Ordinance to bring it
into line with EU Regulation No. 2092/91.
stricter than the EU Regulation on Organic
Production in requiring conversion of the
whole farm to organic management (see
Table 3 and, for more detail, Annex III). Its
requirements relating to the conversion
process, on the other hand, are less strict
than the EU Regulation: in Switzerland
there is no “year zero” (conversion-label
applies only after 12 months). As a result,
conversion normally takes two years rather
than three as in the EU.
36
4.3.5
Elements of reciprocal recognition:
• EU organic products are also considered organic products in Switzerland.
The same applies also to organic
goods that have been certified in Switzerland as conforming to the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance. Such products may be exported to the EU without any problem if they have an import
certificate and the appropriate labelling
(code number or name of inspection
body, and the indication “bio” (organic),
or a private organic label).
• The list of countries in Annex 4 of the
Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance
910.18 (termed in the following the
“Country List”) is analogous to the EU
third countries list in the annex to the
EU Regulation.
• With regard to the accredited certification bodies, the Swiss Organic Farming
Ordinance refers to the EU Regulation
on Organic Production, thereby acknowledging all the inspection bodies
or authorities published in the Official
Journal of the EU.
• The time limit for recognition by EU
Member States conforms to that accorded to Switzerland under EU Regulation 94/92.
Points for importers to note concerning Switzerland:
• The exporter in the EU must apply for
an import certificate from his inspection
body and ensure that the product bears the code number and name of the
inspection body and that it is labelled
“bio” (organic).
• Organic imports into the EU that are
later exported again to Switzerland
must have all duty paid before they
leave the EU and must be certified as
organic products conforming to the EU
Regulation on Organic Production.
• An exception is made to the principle
of reciprocal recognition in the case of
products from farms in the process of
conversion. When a conversion product from the EU, or another country, is
imported into Switzerland, this must be
specifically declared. They must also
bear a conversion label, stating "product under conversion to organic farming". Such products must not give the
impression that they originate from
completely converted farms.
• Due to the differing requirements pertaining to conversion labelling, conversion products exported from Switzerland into the EU must be sold in the
EU as conventional products. In Switzerland only 4 months must have elapsed from the start of conversion (after
which conversion products may use
the conversion label) rather than 12
months as in the EU. Furthermore, the
EU does not permit conversion products composed of several agricultural
ingredients to use the conversion label.
• Presently the Equivalence of bee products is under negotiation. From 2004,
organic bee products are proposed to
be mentioned in annex 9 of the bilateral agricultural agreement, so that
these products could be traded between Switzerland and the European
Union.
4.3.6
Import requirements
Organic products from the EU that are labelled as such in accordance with EU
Regulation No. 2092/91 on Organic Production may be recognized as organic
products in Switzerland (see 4.3.5). Imports of products from countries outside
the EU into Switzerland (and also into the
EU) are regulated by means of equivalence requirements: production, inspection and certification, and labelling of organic products in emerging markets and
markets in transition must conform to conditions that are equivalent to those contained in the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance.
Inspection and certification
In order for an imported product to be
marketed as “organic” (“biologisch” or
“ökologisch”) in Switzerland the producers,
processors and exporters in the country of
origin and the importers in Switzerland
must be certified by an accredited inspection body at least once per year. For this
they must enter into a contract with an accredited inspection and certification body.
In Switzerland the following inspection and
certification bodies are accredited at Federal level (addresses are at the end of this
chapter and in Annex IV):
• Bio.inspecta
• Institut für Marktökologie (IMO)
• Schweizerische Vereinigung für
Qualitäts- und Management Systeme
(SQS – Swiss Association for Quality
and Management Systems).
Inspection and certification bodies must
conform to EN-45011 or ISO-65 standards and obtain accreditation from the
Swiss Federal Office of Metrology
(Eidgenössisches Amt für Messwesen).
List of certification bodies accredited in
third countries is to be found in Annex 4
of the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance
(see also the web information corner at
the end of this chapter).
Exports from countries on the Country List
Countries where the government imposes
conditions on organic products that are
equivalent to those applied in Switzerland,
and adherence to these conditions is
guaranteed, may be included on a
Country List by the Federal Department
of Economic Affairs (Eidgenössische
Volkswirtschaftsdepartement, EVD) (Annex
4 of the Organic Farming Ordinance).
Countries wishing to be included on this
37
list must submit an application to the
(FOAG; Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft,
BLW) giving details showing that their production regulations and inspection
systems are equivalent.
At present, all the EU countries plus
Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Costa
Rica, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand are included on the Swiss Country
List. With the expansion of the European
Union to the east, the new members
would automatically be treated as EUmember states. The updated Country List
can be obtained from the Swiss Federal
Office for Agriculture or downloaded at the
following website:
www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/910_181/app4.html.
Organic imports from these countries are
subject to simpler procedures for approval. For such imports the exporter must
obtain an import certificate (Kontrollbescheinigung) from his certification body
in the country of origin (see Annex V). This
certificate is presented to the importer in
Switzerland. It is required by the certification body when the annual inspection of
the business is carried out. Moreover, this
document confirms that the imported
product is an organic product. However,
for meat and meat-products (in which the
meat content > 20%) this document
would have to be inspected and stamped
by the customs veterinarian.
Till the end of 2000, the Swiss Country
List related only to organic products of
plant origin. Since January 1, 2001 it includes organic products of animal origin
(some countries only).
Exports from non-approved countries
outside the EU
Analogously to the EU, Switzerland also
operates a system of “individual authorization”. For direct imports from countries
that are not included on the list of third
countries, the importer in Switzerland
must submit an application for individual
authorization to the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) together with an attestation
of equivalence for the relevant product
and its producer (for forms see Annex V).
38
On the basis of these the FOAG can confirm the equivalence of individual products
and issue “individual authorisation”.
Individual authorisations are listed annually
in the Swiss official trade gazette
(Schweizerische Handelsamtsblatt) and
can be seen on the internet
(http://www.blw.admin.ch/
fakten/import/eu_list/bioeinzelermaechtigungen.xls). Only when the individual
authorisation has been granted may the
product be imported into Switzerland as
an organic product. In these cases too,
every delivery must be accompanied by
an import certificate.
Requirements relating to the attestation of
equivalence
• A separate application for individual
authorization is required for each exporter in the country of origin. The application may be completed for multiple
exporters, however, if they all have
their business headquarters in the
same country (country of origin) and
come under the same certification/inspection body.
• The attestation of equivalence, which
must accompany the application for individual authorization, must be completed by the certification/inspection
body of the exporter and is the key
prerequisite for approval of the application.
• Checklist for assessing equivalence
from the Federal Office for Agriculture
(see Annex V): the use of genetic engineering and irradiation is prohibited.
Equivalence of procedures used is
subject to detailed assessment.
• The more thoroughly the accompany
documentation has been prepared, the
quicker and less complicated it will be
to process the application. In the case
of applications that place especially
great demands on the time and effort
of the FOAG, a fee is charged to reflect
this. It is advisable to prepare the documents as thoroughly as possible in
German, French, Italian or English and,
where necessary, draw on the services
of a certification body in order to keep
the administrative effort, and the corresponding costs, to a minimum.
• Inspection to ascertain whether the importer in Switzerland has the required
authorization for all imports is carried
out by the Swiss inspection and certification bodies.
Conditions pertaining to import certificates
Every consignment must be accompanied
by an import certificate. The certificate
serves as confirmation that production requirements have been adhered to and that
inspection has taken place. Import certificates are issued by certification/inspection
bodies that are accredited at Federal level
(and not by the Federal Office for Agriculture):
• In the case of imports into Switzerland
from countries on the Country List, the
import certificate must be completed
by one of the certification bodies for
the relevant country stipulated on the
Country List. In the case of imports of
non-EU products from the EU that already have an import certificate for the
EU, this will be accepted as long as
the information contained in it is valid
at the time of import into Switzerland.
• In the case of imports into Switzerland
from countries not included on the
Country List (where individual authorization is required), the body named in
the application for individual authorization (normally the exporter’s certification/inspection body) is responsible for
issuing the certificate.
Care should be taken to ensure that the
properly completed document, which
must have been stamped and signed by
the inspection body, is forwarded to the
importer in Switzerland without delay. If an
importer is unable to produce an import
certificate he will be sanctioned accordingly.
4.4
Private organic labelling
schemes
4.4.1
The BIO SUISSE Knospe
(“bud”) label
The Association of the Swiss Organic Agriculture Organizations (Vereinigung
Schweizer Biolandbau-Organisationen,
BIO SUISSE) was founded in 1981; it
comprises more than 30 member organizations and more than 6000 farmers. In
1981 BIO SUISSE set out the first joint
standards for organic cultivation and
established the Knospe (bud) trademark
for products from certified organic production. Nowadays the Knospe is the
most widely known organic label amongst
consumers in Switzerland.
Knospe (“bud”) label for organic
products of swiss origin
The BIO SUISSE Bud: more than 90 % of the raw
materials come from Switzerland.
For imported products to be awarded the
Knospe label, all of the foreign operators
(producers, processors and traders) must
fulfil not only the requirements set out in
the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance, but
also comply with BIO SUISSE Standards.
Verification of compliance is undertaken by
BIO SUISSE. Corresponding applications
for inspection must be made by a BIO
SUISSE licensee before goods are imported.
It is not only in the field of agriculture that
the BIO SUISSE Standards are tougher
than the minimum requirements stipulated
by Switzerland and the EU (see 4.3.4). In
processing, too, certain processes and
additives such as synthetic ascorbic acid
and alginates are not permitted. For processed products, each constituent product must be approved by BIO SUISSE.
Applications may be submitted in writing
by BIO SUISSE license holders.
Based on marketing considerations, the
BIO SUISSE Standards list the following
restrictions applicable to imported goods:
• Transportation by air is not permitted.
• Fresh products from overseas are only
approved if, for climatic reasons, these
products cannot be grown in Europe
(this includes frozen goods).
• In the case of products processed abroad in their entirety and products of
animal origin, the management board
of BIO SUISSE decides on a case-bycase basis whether the product may
be approved.
• Bio Suisse can reject importing organic
products from overseas for image
reasons (standards Article 6.2.2).
39
Table 3: Comparison of organic farming regulations and standards: EU,
Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance and BIO SUISSE Standards
Area, criteria
EU Regulation
No. 2092/91
Swiss Organic
Farming Ordinance (BV)
BIO SUISSE
Standards
Whole-farm
conversion to
organic farm
management
Not mandatory
Mandatory; however,
vineyards and orchards
are partly exempted
Mandatory
Conversion
period
2 years (perennials
3 years)
2 years
2 years, no retroperspective approval of
parcels and farms
Step by step
conversion
Step by step conversion
of partial farm units
possible
Up to max. 5 years
possible in the case of
perennial crops
Up to max. 5 years
possible in the case of
perennial crops
In-conversion
label
From
2nd year on
From
1st year on
From
1st year on
No requirement
Required for direct
payments; at least 7%
of the agricultural
farm land
Same as Swiss Organic
Farming Ordinance,
in addition 5% of all
grassland with low input
fertilisation and
management
Nutrient level
Max. 170 kg/ha
(for animal husbandry)
Max. 2.5 LU equiv. (1)/ha
in low-land areas
(in highland areas lower);
balanced nutrient
input/output situation
Ordinance, in addition
crop specific maximum
amounts of nitrogen and
phosphorous are
required
Crop rotation
Balanced rotation
(not specified)
Maximum proportions for
cereals, maize and
potatoes in the rotation
Ordinance, in addition
minimum of 20% soil
improving crops (lye
and/or green manure)
Soil management
Only general rules
Only general rules
Minimum green cover in
vineyards and orchards
also in arid areas
(min. 4 months)
Fertilisers and
soil conditioners
Only substances listed
in Annex II A
in Annex 2 of the Swiss
Organic Ordinance
Additional restrictions:
e.g. no use of meat
and bone meal.
Surfaces
enhancing
biodiversity
(“compensatory
ecological
habitat areas”)
(1)
LU equiv.: Livestock unit equivalent (DGVE: Düngergrossvieheinheit)
Documentation required for application for
BIO SUISSE approval
In the case of farms BIO SUISSE
requires:
• a current inspection report and report
for the previous year from the farm’s
inspection body
• a BIO SUISSE checklist (see www.
bio-suisse.ch/en/importandexport/
accesstoswissmarket.php) completed
by an accredited inspection body
• certificates confirming how long the
farm has been under organic production
• crop rotation plans, field histories.
40
In the case of producer cooperatives
and small farm projects BIO SUISSE
requires:
• a comprehensive report on the whole
project from the inspection body
• a description of internal inspection
mechanisms
• a producer register (including home
address, certified and non-certified
fields and crops, field history, estimated crop yield; any measures taken,
items bought in, pesticides and
fertilizer used)
• new businesses, conversion status
and leavers (including reason, e.g.
infringement of standards)
Use of crop
protection agents
in Annex II B
Only substances listed in
Annex 2 of the Swiss
Organic Ordinance
Additional restrictions:
Limits for copper
use as plant
protection agent
Max. 8 kg/ha calculated
on a 5 year average from
2006 on 6 kg/ha
calculated on a 5 year
average
max. 4 kg/ha
Different max.
amounts/ha, max.
1.5 kg for apple/pears,
max 2 kg/ha for berries,
max. 4 kg for stone
fruits, potatoes and
grapes (grapes: average
over 5 years)
Metaldehyde
against slug and
pyrethroid
insecticides
Only permitted in traps
(until 31 of March 2006)
Prohibited
Prohibited
Animal husbandry
Detailed regulation with
regard to imported
animals and feed, animal
treatment and housing
Detailed regulation like
EU
Detailed regulation like
EU and additional BIO
SUISSE requirements
(e.g. for pig keeping and
poultry)
Special requirement for
farms with animals
exporting plant products
with the BIO SUISSE
logo to Switzerland: the
general requirements for
animal husbandry of
IFOAM Basic Standards
or EU regulation have to
be fulfilled at least.
Processing
No irradiation
Only Annex list of
additives and processing
aids for processing of
plant products
No irradiation
Annex list of additives
and processing aids for
processing of plant and
animal products
No irradiation or
microwave treatment;
only quality-preserving
methods permitted, less
additives allowed (no
synthetic ascorbic acid)
Prohibited
Prohibited
Prohibited
No regulation
No regulation
Some restrictions
(aluminium cans, PVC,
etc.)
Genetically
modified
organisms and
products derived
from them
Packaging
• documentation relating to inspection
visits
• quantities bought up from each
producer (day-book, delivery notes).
Trade and export firms must be able to
provide evidence that they guarantee separate handling of BIO SUISSE-approved
goods. BIO SUISSE requires the following
documents in order to check this:
• current inspection report from the
inspection body
• certificate for the business
• description of separate handling and
quality assurance system.
• pest and disease management.
Knospe (“bud”) label for imported
organic products
The Bio-Bud: more than 10 % of raw materials
are imported. They are liable to equivalent
standards.
41
In the case of processing firms BIO
SUISSE requires:
• Only BIO SUISSE-approved raw materials may be used in the production of
BIO SUISSE-approved products. For
this reason, in addition to the details
regarding processing, documentation
relating to all producers supplying raw
materials must also be submitted.
• current inspection reports on all locations involved in processing
• processing description and process
specifications (time, temperature, pressure)
• list of substances used as processing
aids and, where relevant, GMO-free
certification
• complete processing recipes (expressed in percentages of the whole)
• precise details of packaging materials
• pest and disease management
• designs for planned labels.
The more complete this documentation is,
the quicker and cheaper the application
for approval can be processed. Not all inspection bodies provide sufficiently detailed inspection reports. BIO SUISSE frequently has to turn down applications on
the grounds that the information supplied
was inadequate.
Approval procedure
When BIO SUISSE has considered the application, the importer receives written notification while the firm in question (producer, processing firm, exporter) receives
in addition to the notification all relevant
details for the follow-up approval. The BIO
SUISSE approval does not give the firm
the right to market the product using the
Knospe (“bud”) label or name. This right is
reserved exclusively for firms that have
entered into a special contract with BIO
SUISSE, i.e. the BIO SUISSE licensee. The
approval procedure must be repeated
every year.
The application for BIO SUISSE approval
must be made by an importer operating in
Switzerland. The importer must be, or
must become, a BIO SUISSE licence
holder and pay the approval fees and
Knospe licence fees. For a product to be
labelled with the Knospe trademark, it
must be imported via a BIO SUISSE
licence holder.
42
4.4.2
DEMETER
For a product to carry the biodynamic
DEMETER label, it must conform to the
production and processing standards laid
down by the Swiss DEMETER Association. This also applies to DEMETER
imported goods.
DEMETER standards cover all of the requirements laid down by BIO SUISSE. In
some respects, however, they go further
than these (see DEMETER standards
www.demeter.net):
• Use of biodynamic preparations. These
preparations are aimed at stimulating
soil fertility by revitalising the soil and
stimulating activity in plants.
• No copper products to be used in the
cultivation of vegetables and potatoes.
• Landscaping of the farm. Every farm
should provide good living conditions
for beneficial organisms.
• Only feeds of biodynamic origin and
max. 20% of brought in organic origin.
No feeds of conventional origin may be
brought in.
• Special requirements apply with regard
to processing.
For DEMETER imported goods, the following rules must be observed:
• Air transport of goods is not permitted.
Exceptions can be only asked for
highly perishable tropical fruits from
biodynamic projects in developing
countries. Decisions are made by the
DEMETER commission for protection
of proprietary rights (DEMETER
Markenschutzkommission).
• DEMETER products from farms under
conversion may only be imported into
Switzerland if the farm has been 100%
certified by the EU. Such products
may then be brought onto the Swiss
market with the declaration “under
conversion to DEMETER”.
• The imported product is only recognised as a DEMETER product in
Switzerland if it has been certified by
one of the 19 member countries of
DEMETER International or by the
International Demeter Certification
Body (Prüfstelle) in Darmstadt,
Germany; www.demeter.net.
4.4.3
Migros organic programme
(Bio Programm der Migros)
The Migros label is an organic label with
growing importance in Switzerland. Under
this label Migros commits itself to the
quality of organic products sold in its
outlets. The detailed requirements include
social, ecological and qualitative criteria.
The processing complies with the provisions of the Swiss Organic Ordinance. In
domestic production the same requirements apply as for BIO SUISSE directives.
Imported products with the Migros bio
label correspond to the European regulations. Air transport is not accepted. No
biological products are imported from
conversion firms. Before a supplier can
offer bio products through Migros’ channels, he undertakes to comply with the
Migros bio directives. In addition he must
have each product approved. After
thorough examination he receives the
product certificate.
4.4.4
Requirements under other
labelling schemes for
exports to Europe
Naturland and BIO SUISSE cooperate in
a special way: BIO SUISSE operates a
special approval procedure for projects
outside Germany that have been certified
by Naturland. In addition to Naturland
certification, Naturland can also verify
compliance with the BIO SUISSE
Standards if so requested. Definitive
approval, however, can only be granted
by BIO SUISSE, since general Swiss
federal legal provisions relating to organic
products must also be complied with.
BIO SUISSE, on the other hand, does not
verify whether projects or businesses
comply with the standards set by Naturland.
In recent years BIO SUISSE has begun to
collaborate more closely with the following
inspection and certification bodies abroad:
Ecocert (France), AIAB (Italy), SKAL
(Netherlands), KRAV (Sweden) and FVO
(USA). These can, on request, include the
specific requirements laid down by BIO
SUISSE when carrying out their inspection. This takes place either by completing
a special BIO SUISSE checklist or by integrating the relevant points into their own
standards (for addresses see Annex IV).
4.4.5
Relationship to Fair Trade
Many producer associations in the emerging markets and markets in transition
conform to the requirements of the Fair
Trade organisations, e.g. FLO (Fair-trade
Labelling Organisations International),
Transfair, Max Havelaar and World Shops
(Weltläden). Having a Fair Trade label does
not necessarily mean, however, that the
products can also be sold as “organic”.
In order to be designated organic, the
project must be subject to accredited
organic inspection procedures.
BIO SUISSE maintains close contacts with
Max Havelaar Switzerland, since some
projects conform to the standards of both
organisations. The combination of “organic” and “fair trade” labelling can enhance
a product’s market prospects.
BIO SUISSE works closely with other
labelling organisations that set equivalent
standards. These include the German
organisations Naturland, Bioland and
Demeter Deutschland and the Austrian
Ernte-Verband. All of these organisations
include whole-farm conversion as a
requirement.
43
Web information corner on requirements and conditions relating to access
for organic imports into Switzerland
http://www.blw.admin.ch/
The website of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture provides detailed information on:
• The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance
• Forms for attestation of equivalence and individual authorization to import
• Direct payments for organic farms
• Cultivation of organic products.
http://www.blw.admin.ch/themen/aw/bio/e/index.htm#import
Documents for import of organic products (forms, explanations, regulations, information) in English
http://www.admin.ch/
Original texts of:
• Swiss legislation
• The Swiss Ordinance on agricultural imports.
http://www.zoll.admin.ch
Customs tariffs of the Federal Customs Administration.
http://www.iso.ch/
The homepage of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva
provides a link to ISO-65, the standard pertaining to certification bodies.
http://www.cenorm.be/
The homepage of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) provides a link
to the text of the EN-45011 standard.
http://www.bio-inspecta.ch/
Services provided by the inspection and certification company bio.inspecta.
http://www.imo.ch
Services provided by the inspection and certification company “Institut für
Marktökologie” (IMO).
http://www.sgs.ch
Services provided by the inspection and certification company SGS (Société Générale
de Surveillance).
http://www.sqs.ch
Services provided by the inspection and certification company Swiss Association for
Quality and Management Systems (SQS).
http://www.sas.admin.ch
The Swiss Federal Office of Metrology is the accreditation body for inspection and
certification bodies in Switzerland.
http://www.bio-suisse.ch
The website of BIO SUISSE (Association of Swiss Organic Agriculture Organizations,
Vereinigung Schweizer Biolandbau-Organisationen) provides detailed information on:
• Standards relating to farming and processing
• Approval procedures for the Knospe (“bud”) label
• Markets and prices
• Addresses of licence holders
http://www.maxhavelaar.ch/
The website of Max Havelaar Switzerland, one of the most important Fair Trade organizations.
http://www.demeter.ch and http://www.demeter.net
The website of DEMETER Switzerland and the website of DEMETER International
provide information on:
• Standards relating to farming and processing
• Approval procedures for the DEMETER label.
http://www.miosphere.ch/d/produkte/labels.php3
Overview of the different labels from Migros and the standards concerning the
processing and trade of Migros’ organic products.
44
5.
5.1
Services for organic
agriculture
International cooperation
by FiBL
FiBL: More than 30 years of
experience
FiBL was established as a foundation in
1974 by organic farmers, scientists and
politicians. Since 1997 the institute’s
headquarters have been in Frick in
Switzerland. The objective of the Research
Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) is to
contribute to the development and impro-
vement of organic and sustainable agricultural practice. FiBL meets this objective
through:
• Practice-oriented agronomic and
economic research, by which FiBL
improves the understanding of organic
farming systems and of the environmental, economic and social impact
of farming.
• High quality extension service, by
which FiBL makes the latest organic
farming methods easily accessible to
farming communities, national and
private extension services and other
education centres throughout the
world and services the needs of these
communities in different forums.
FiBL-Projects and Services
FiBL implements projects with
agronomic, ecological, socioeconomic and cultural objectives,
on behalf of various partners and
customers:
• Farmers and farmer-co-operatives
• Traders and processors
• Public and private sector research
• Educational and advisory institutions
• Development cooperation agencies
and NGOs
• Public authorities and bodies.
FiBL projects and services address all
issues relating to the production,
processing and marketing of organic
products:
• Feasibility and project studies
• Conversion planning and preparation
of initial inspection
• Training and advice (production
techniques, economics, marketing
and ecological aspects)
• Documentation, e.g. IFOAM / FiBL
Training Manuals, technical leaflets
• Research and development, pilot
and demonstration trials
• Development of processing and
marketing (market surveys, marketing concepts and organic produce
sourcing).
• Preparation of documents for import
authorities and label certification
• Set-up of inspection and certification
programmes, e.g. in India, Bulgaria,
Rumania, Indonesia, China.
The International Cooperation group at
FiBL is a motivated team of experienced
organic advisers. They are intimately
acquainted with organic farming and its
institutional and commercial environment,
and have wide-ranging experience in
international cooperation. The pool of
FiBL-consultants includes experts for
Western and Eastern Europe, the
Mediterranean region, Africa, Latin
America and Asia.
45
Local Initiative and Local Ownership
Innovations such as organic farming will
only then have sustained success if a
general consensus legitimises them. FiBL
seeks this consensus and the shared
responsibility engendered by it at every
possible level. The desire to find ecologically and economically sustainable
solutions must be rooted in the region or
country itself. FiBL-projects are based on
local initiatives, local ownership and local
knowledge.
While cultivation techniques and
successful marketing are crucial, FiBLprojects further embrace development
policy objectives and fair trade aspects,
knowledge and promote the refinement
and dissemination of this knowledge.
Support from Production to Sale
The organic market is highly specific and
dynamic and constant alertness is
required. At the same time it is a market
with tremendous prospects for growth and
it offers creative producers and exporters
some excellent opportunities for success.
In step with the growing opportunities for
trade links and commodity marketing, the
requirements placed upon the credibility
and quality assurance of organic produce
are also rising. Competent project support
– from production through processing to
the final sales outlet – is thus becoming all
the more important. FiBL offers full chainof-custody surveillance and help to
establish and implement traceability and
certification.
46
5.2
Research
In Switzerland there are six state-run agricultural research stations. Some of their research projects deal with issues relating to
organic farming, in particular those of the
Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture (Eidgenössische
Forschungsanstalt für Agrarökologie und
Landbau, FAL) in Zürich-Reckenholz.
Research at FiBL uses on the following
key areas: environmentally friendly crop
production, organic plant protection,
landscape ecology, business management
in organic farming, species-appropriate
livestock management and breeding,
complementary veterinary treatments and
food quality. FiBL also has an experimental
site in Therwil (Basel), a 30-hectare
agricultural enterprise in Frick (Aargau), a
network of 60 pilot farms and other
opportunities for conducting experiments
on numerous working farms throughout
Switzerland. The institute has gained
international renown above all for its DOK
experiment comparing conventional and
organic methods of farming, which has
been running for 25 years, and also
through its continuing work on organic
farming standards within IFOAM, the
International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements.
The oldest establishment for biodynamic
research is the Goetheanum in Dornach.
Its Research Working Group (Arbeitsgruppe Forschung, AGF) co-ordinates all
research on biodynamic agriculture in
Switzerland. Every year the Goetheanum
organises an international conference on
agriculture.
5.3
Advisory services, training
and documentation
One of FiBL’s most important tasks is to
bring expertise and new research findings
to producers. Spread across Switzerland,
FiBL has four regional advisory bureaux.
FiBL’s consultants cover a wide range of
specialized areas, such as animal health,
poultry management, vegetable production, viticulture and fruit-growing. The official advisory services run by the Cantons
also offer specialist advice on organic
farming, focussing particularly on advice
relating to conversion. In Switzerland there
are more than 30 agricultural colleges
offering a wide range of courses and study
programmes relating to organic farming.
All the Swiss Cantons run obligatory
introductory courses in accordance with
BIO SUISSE requirements, which stipulate
a minimum attendance of two days at
such courses in order to obtain initial
certification. To complement the advisory
services offered by the Cantons, FiBL runs
numerous courses, seminars and field
inspections for interested farmers in
conjunction with the regional organic
agriculture organizations.
A group of practitioners, teachers of agriculture and experts from FiBL have developed a curriculum for basic training in organic farming. Various agricultural colleges
and farmers’ enterprises now offer training
courses and traineeships based on this
curriculum. Some colleges already offer an
officially recognized qualification with the
title “Farmer specialized in organic agriculture” (Landwirt mit Spezialrichtung Biolandbau). In the case of biodynamic agriculture, a four-year training course has
been in existence for many years. The
courses and practical placements that are
part of this training programme take place
at agricultural enterprises. An overview of
all the courses and training opportunities
relating to organic farming and traineeships on organic farms is available on
FiBL’s homepage.
The Department of Agriculture at the
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
(Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule,
ETH) in Zürich offers a degree course in
agroecology which covers organic farming
methods. A similar programme is also offered by the Swiss College of Agriculture
(Schweizerische Hochschule für Landwirtschaft, SHL) in Zollikofen.
“bio aktuell”, the information bulletin for organic farmers, is published jointly by FiBL
and BIO SUISSE. “bio aktuell” provides
monthly information on current issues relating to farming methods, on developments concerning markets, standards and
certification, as well as on courses and
events. FiBL also publishes an “Organic
Farming Dossier” (Dokumentationspaket
Biolandbau), in which the very latest information on production techniques, business management, training, consultancy
and standards in organic agriculture are
made available. The dossier contains a
collection of information leaflets, a series
of transparencies, aids for economic planning, collections of standards and much
more besides. With this dossier FiBL provides an ideal tool for advisors on organic
farming, teachers of agriculture, agricultural experts and managers.
47
Web information corner relating to
services for organic agriculture
http://www.fibl.org/
The FiBL website provides:
• Information on FiBL’s research programme
• A facility for ordering information and
documents
• An overview of courses and training
opportunities in organic farming
• Exchange for traineeships at organic
enterprises
• Downloadable texts and data on
organic agriculture
• Information on events
• Contacts and links to both Swiss
and international institutions and
organizations involved in organic
agriculture.
http://www.fiv.ch/
Information on the research programme
of the Forschungsinstitut für Vitalqualität
(FIV) in Wetzikon.
http://www.goetheanum.ch
Information on the research programme
of the Goetheanum in Dornach.
http:// www.sar.admin.ch/en/research/
index.htm
The six state-run agricultural research
stations with the Overview of agricultural
research projects in Switzerland.
http://www.abtvii.ethz.ch
Information on degree courses in Agroecology at the Department of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Departement
Agrar- und Lebensmittelwissenschaften)
at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zürich.
http://www.shl.bfh.ch
Information on degree courses in Agroecology and Regional Planning
(Agrarökologie und Raumplanung) at the
Swiss College of Agriculture (SHL) in
Zollikofen.
http://www.ifoam.org
International Federation of organic agriculture movements; useful informations
and links.
48
Part B: The European Union
49
1.
The European organic
market: Overview
Figure 8: Organic farming
in Europe
Organic farming is carried on in almost all
countries of the world. The share of organic farms in overall farmland and in
terms of numbers of holdings is growing
continuously. The market for organic products is also growing very rapidly, not only
in Europe, North America and Japan,
where the largest markets are to be found,
but also in many emerging economies and
economies in transition. The roots of organic farming, however, lie in Europe. The
development that has taken place in the
organic market in recent years has thus
been driven in Europe by a solid base of
producers and consumers who are convinced of the ecological and social benefits of organic methods.
156’692 ha
187’000 ha
724’523 ha
178’360 ha
696’978 ha
1’168’212 ha
29’850 ha
509’000 ha
665’055 ha
1.1
297’000 ha
235’136 ha
103’000 ha
Development of organic
agriculture
85’912 ha
Organic farming has developed very
rapidly in almost all European countries
since the beginning of the 1990s. The
total area under organic farming increased
by 16.8% from 2001 to 2002, the front
runner being Hungary with a growth rate
of 304%, followed by the United Kingdom
with a growth rate of 280%, Czech
Republic with a growth rate of 200% and
Portugal with a growth rate of around
150%. In recent years the total area under
Figure 7: Development of organic
agriculture in Europe
Hectares
Holdings
5’000’000
200’000
4’500’000
180’000
4’000’000
160’000
3’500’000
140’000
3’000’000
120’000
Hectares
Holdings
2’500’000
100’000
2’000’000
80’000
1’500’000
60’000
1’000’000
40’000
500’000
20’000
0
Source: SÖL and FiBL, february 2003
50
2003
2002
2001
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
0
Source: SÖL, february 2003
organic management in Europe has been
increasing by an average of 30% per year.
At the beginning of 2003, more than
5,4 million hectares were managed by
over 170,000 organic operators in the
countries of the EU and EFTA and the
13 accession candidates. This constitutes
more than 2% of the total agricultural area.
There are significant differences among
the individual countries as regards the extent of organic agriculture. In Austria more
than 10% of all agricultural land is under
organic management, while Germany, an
important market for selling organic
goods, is only in the middle of the field
with 4.1%.
From 1987 on some countries (Denmark,
Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden,
Austria) introduced subsidies for farm
conversion in order to promote organic
agriculture. The EU’s agri-environment
programme introduced under Regulation
No. 2078/92 in September 1992 also
seeks to promote production processes
that protect the environment and promote
103’672 ha
animal welfare. The type and amount of
support provided within this programme
varies in the different EU Member States.
1.2
Market development
In many countries the market for organic
products is still relatively small, although it
is growing everywhere. Worldwide, Europe
is the biggest market for organic products.
The annual turnover of the organic market
in western Europe was around 10 billion
US dollars in 2002 and this figure is
currently rising by between 0 and 30%
depending on the country. In the USA and
Japan, the two markets that are next in
importance to Europe for organic products, similar market growth rates are
expected. Forecasts for the current year
put the total sales volume of these three
most important markets at 23–25 billion
US dollars (with around 6% of this in
Switzerland).
Depending on the country and product
group, the market share of organic products ranges from less than 1% up to 5%.
By the year 2005 the share of organic
foods in the overall market in Europe is
predicted to reach between 5 and 10%.
Within the EU, Germany has the largest
market volume in absolute terms. In
Denmark, however, organic products have
a higher percentage of the total market.
Certain product groups already have as
much as a 15% share of the total market
in Europe (e.g., in Denmark carrots, eggs,
butter, milk). The growing demand
throughout Europe is a key factor in the
future development of this market.
Table 4: The European market for organic products in 2002
Country
Total turnover
in millions of C
% of total retail sales
of food and beverages
Annual
growth
Estimate for 2005
in million C
Germany
3.0
2.3
5–10
3.7
Italy
1.5
1.2
5–15
1.6
France
1.5
1.0
5–10
1.7
Belgium
0.3
2.2
5–10
0.35
United Kingdom
1.45
1.2
10–15
2–2.5
Switzerland
0.7
3.0–4.0
5–15
0.9–1.0
The Netherlands
0.38
1.4
5–10
0.5
Denmark
0.27
3.5
0–5
0.27–0.3
Finland
0.26–0.28
1.0–2.0
–
–
Austria
0.33
2.9
5–10
0.35–0.4
Sweden
0.35–0.45
1.5–2.0
10–15
0.4–0.5
Europe
9.5–10.5
–
–
11.8–12.8
Source: FiBL, 2003, ITC 2002
51
In Germany, Austria and Scandinavia the
greatest challenge is to extend the range
of products on offer and expand marketing channels. In the countries of southern
Europe, where marketing efforts were
Web information corner
on the organic market in Europe
http://www.soel.de
The German Foundation Ecology and
Agriculture (Stiftung Ökologie & Landbau, SÖL) has published a study entitled “Ökologische Agrarkultur Weltweit
– Organic Agriculture Worldwide” on its
website. A copy of this bilingual (German/English) study may be obtained
either direct from SÖL or downloaded
from the internet (www.soel.de/
oekolandbau/weltweit.html).
http://www.intracen.org/
The website of the International Trade
Center (ITC) in Geneva. The ITC has
produced an overview of the market for
organic products worldwide.
http://www.organic-europe.net
gives reports and database on organic
agriculture in Europe.
originally entirely export-oriented, the
challenge is to create regional markets
and promote awareness of organic products in the domestic market. The same
also holds true for the countries of Central
and Eastern Europe.
1.3
Market structures
European consumers buy organic products either direct from the farm, in specialist natural food stores and, increasingly, in
traditional supermarket chains. Different
countries have followed different marketing
paths. Whereas in Germany for example
direct sales and sales via specialist
organic food stores predominate, the
organic movement in the United Kingdom
and Denmark targeted the supermarkets
as a sales channel from the outset.
Countries where organic products are
sold mainly via conventional retail channels
have higher market growth rates and
larger market shares than in countries
where natural food retailers are the main
outlets for organic products. The second
most important factor is the existence of a
national umbrella brand name for organic
products. The importance of supermarkets as an outlet for organic products
will continue to increase in the coming
years; most of the market growth in the
organic sector is likely to come from this
channel.
52
http://www.green-tradenet.de
Information network on organic raw
materials worldwide.
http://www.biogene.org
Information Turntable for GM-free
Production.
http://www.organicTS.com
Information about market opportunities
world wide for organic products.
http://www.eisfom.org
European information System for
organic markets gives information of
32 European countries for organic
products.
2.
2.1
Access for organic imports:
Requirements and
conditions
General framework
The European Union (EU) has a Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP), a common commercial policy and common import and
customs regulations for imports from outside the EU. Organic products are subject
to the same customs tariffs as conventional products. The ACP-EU Partnership
Agreement (Cotonou 2000) forms the basis for developing long-term cooperation
between the EU countries and the 69
African-Caribbean-Pacific countries (ACP
countries). The Agreement provides for
preferential tariffs for the ACP countries. It
also provides for “general preferential tariffs
for developing countries”. Products from
the Least Developed Countries are duty
free. In order to take advantage of preferential tariffs, imported goods must be accompanied by a certificate of origin. The
Common Agricultural Policy applies quantitative restrictions and special charges for
agricultural imports (depending on the
product, the season and country of origin).
These also apply to organic products. Importers must apply for an import licence.
The current World Trade Organization (WTO)
reform negotiations are pushing forward towards liberalization of trade in agricultural
products based on the resolutions of the
GATT Uruguay Round. A key element in
this is the commitment on the part of the
industrialized countries to reduce customs
tariffs and export subsidies by a further
13–24% by the year 2004. The aim of the
WTO is to facilitate access for emerging
economies and economies in transition to
the markets of the industrialized countries.
The Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference was
held in Mexico in September 2003. The
main task was to take stock of progress in
negotiations and other work under the
Doha Development Agenda.
The Conference ended with the conclusion that despite considerable movement
in consultations, members remained entrenched, particularly on the “Singapore”
issues. It is most likely that the small developing countries will suffer most for the
inability to come to an agreement on the
different issues discussed. However, it was
decided in December 2003 that the Doha
Development Agenda should be discussed further in smaller meetings during the
coming years.
2.2
The EU Regulation on
organic production
In the Member States of the EU, plant
products are governed by Regulation No.
2092/91, which came into force in 1993,
while products from organically managed
livestock are governed by EU Regulation
No. 1804/99, enacted in August 2000.
These constitute an important step towards consumer protection. They protect
producers from unfair competition and
they protect consumers from pseudo-organic products. Plant and animal products,
and processed agricultural goods imported
into the EU, may only be labelled using
terms such as “organic” in English and “biologisch” or “ökologisch” in German, etc.,
if they conform to the provisions of the EU
Regulation. The EU Regulation on organic
production – like the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance – lays down minimum rules
governing the production, processing and
import of organic products, including inspection procedures, labelling and marketing, for the whole of Europe. In other words,
the Regulation defines what constitutes an
authentic, certified organic product. Each
European country is responsible for enforcement and for its own monitoring and
inspection system. Applications, supervision and sanctions are dealt with at regional level. At the same time, each country
has a certain degree of freedom with regard to how it interprets the Regulation on
organic production and how it implements
the Regulation in its national context.
2.3
Importing goods into the EU
The regulations on imports in the EU Regulation on organic production are of great
significance for the international market in
organic products. Article 11 of the EU
Regulation governs market access for organic products in the countries of the EU.
It stipulates that organic foods imported
into the EU from third countries must have
been produced, processed and certified in
accordance with equivalent standards.
The exporting country must give details of
the standards and inspection procedures
implemented and these are evaluated by
the EU. In this respect, the requirements
and conditions relating to access for organic products are comparable to those
laid down in the Swiss Organic Farming
Ordinance (see Part A, Chapter 4 of the
present handbook). Enforcement is the responsibility of the EU Member States, although in Germany it is in fact carried out
at the level of the German federal states
53
(Länder). For examples see Chapter 3 of
Part B (EU Regulation see Annex II).
competent authority. With the application he or the certification body he
assigns to this task has to provide
documentation to prove that the production and certification of the respective products is in consonance with the
EU requirements. The competent
authority may request additional information, e.g. the inspection reports or
evidence that the certification body
active in the third country is complying
with ISO 65 (EN 45011). Products may
not be released into the EU market
until an import permit has been issued.
Import permits are usually issued for a
limited time period. Re-application is
necessary when they run out.
Each consignment needs to be
accompanied by a “Certificate of
Inspection for Import of Products from
Organic Production”.
At the present time there are two ways of
authorizing imports into the EU:
I. Access via the list of third countries in
accordance with Art. 11, paragraphs
1–5: A country or certification body
may apply to be added to the list of
third countries (EU Third Countries List)
via its diplomatic representatives in
Brussels. In order to be added to this
list, the country making the application
must already have enacted organic
farming legislation and a fully functional
system of inspection and monitoring
must be in place. In addition, it must
provide an attestation of equivalence
and other information on organic
farming methods. The European
Commission decides upon the
application based on an assessment of
the implemented system and the
results of an evaluation visit conducted
by EU experts to evaluate the implementation and functioning of the legislation in the respective country. To date
only 8 countries have been included on
the list: Argentina, Australia, Costa
Rica, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel,
New Zealand and Switzerland. Goods
imported from these countries need to
be accompanied by a consignmentspecific “Certificate of Inspection for
Import of Products from Organic
Production”.
II. Access via import permit in accordance with Art. 11, paragraph 6, for all
countries not included on the list of
third countries (i.e. the vast majority of
imports into the EU). As a rule, certification bodies operating at the international level will assist exporters and importers to put together all the information and evidence needed to
accompany the application for an import permit. Requirements vary from
one EU country to another, but the following are those that generally apply
(for specific country requirements see
Chapter 3): Import permits are only
issued to the importing company by
the EU Member state authority into
which the product is first imported.
This company needs to sign an
inspection contract with a European
certification body that is approved in
the EU. For imports from countries
outside the EU and not listed on the
third country list the importer applies
for an import permit with the local
54
Within the EU all organic products may be
freely traded. However, procedures relating to the issue of import permits are not
the same in all EU countries. It is advisable
to seek advice from the relevant authorities before trading commences.
2.4
Requirements relating to
inspection bodies
Since January 1988, all inspection bodies
accredited in the EU must satisfy the requirements of the EN 45011 standards
(these are identical to ISO Guide 65; both
set out general standards for certification
bodies), in order for suitable imports of organic goods to be approved by the European authorities. Because of the requirement of equivalency, this also applies to all
inspection bodies in third countries from
which certified products are imported into
Europe. In other words, it also applies to
local inspection bodies in emerging markets and markets in transition. There is a
recommendation by the EU on options for
going about this:
1. The inspection body is accredited by
an accreditation body in accordance
with EN 45011 standards. The accreditation body must be accepted by
other accreditation bodies. This happens on the European level by signing
the EA-MLA (Multilateral Agreement
signed by members of the European
co-operation for Accreditation). On the
international level the respective organisation would be IAF (International
Accreditation Forum), the international
association of accreditation bodies –
however the IAF members are still ne-
gotiating the MLA on ISO 65 and for
accreditation bodies outside of the EU
there is so far no possibility to sign a
MLA on ISO 65.
2. The inspection body has been approved by a competent authority in the
third country in accordance with EN
45011 or ISO Guide 65.
3. The inspection body has been assessed by a qualified expert in accordance
with EN 45011 or ISO Guide 65. A
supervisory authority in the EU has
confirmed the assessment.
Although these options are not officially
passed by the EU the EU Member States
are more or less following them. At the
present time, confirmation of assessments
carried out by experts under option 3 is
only undertaken by German authorities.
Confirmation by a German authority is,
however, recognised in all of the EU countries. In Germany the view is taken first of
all that in many third countries option 2
does not exist and second, there are only
very few accreditation organisations corresponding to option 1. A checklist is obtainable from the German interstate working
group of organic control authorities
(Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft zur Verordnung EWG 2092/01, LÖK) giving
details of how an expert assessment in
accordance with options 1, 2 and 3
should be carried out.
The EU countries have not reached any
agreement as to whether they should recognise IFOAM as an accreditation organisation under option 1 or 3. The IFOAM
accreditation programme, run by the
International Organic Accreditation Service
(IOAS), has so far been recognised primarily in the Scandinavian countries. Also in
Germany the competent authority accepts
the IOAS reports under option 3. IOAS
accreditation is not officially recognised by
the EU authorities because IOAS is not a
signatory or member of any of the organisations mentioned above (EA-MLA, IAFMLA). Obstacles for membership are the
international character of IOAS whereas
the accreditation bodies are usually focusing on the national level.
2.5
EU logo for organic products
In February 2000 the European Commission introduced a logo for organic products that may be used throughout the
EU by producers operating in accordance
with the provisions of the EU Regulation
on organic production. The logo may only
Figure 9: The EU logo for organic
products
be used on organic products where 95%
of the ingredients are organic products
that originate from the EU and that have
been processed, packaged and labelled in
the EU. According to a legal interpretation
presented by the European Commission,
the EU logo can now be used on imports
from countries that are deemed to have an
equivalent inspection system. These are
the countries on the Third Country List
(see chapter 2.3). For imports to carry the
EU-logo when they are accepted into the
EU under Article 11. 6, the certification
body must be supervised by the authorities in the country of inspection. Not many
countries outside the EU and US or that
are not on the EU third country list, have a
system for supervision of inspection bodies. Use of the new symbol is voluntary
and it may also be used in conjunction
with national government or private logos
for identifying organic products. So far
only few companies, especially in
Southern Europe, are using the EU logo
and the market impact is low.
The new logo is designed like those that
were developed previously relating to protection of geographical indications and
designations of origin (OJ L 224 of August
11, 1998) and to certificates of specific
character (OJ L 275 of October 6, 1994)
for agricultural products and foodstuffs. It
contains twelve stars as the symbol of the
EU and may be used in colour (blue and
green) or black/white. The appropriate
reference to organic production has been
laid down for each language, but the logo
may also be bilingual.
55
2.6
How the EU Regulation on
organic production relates to
other standards and laws
Some countries in Europe had already
formulated their own legislation on organic
production or private standards and label-
Web information corner on requirements and conditions relating to
access for organic imports
ling schemes before the EU Regulation
came into force, sometimes many years
earlier. These quality marks, for example in
Denmark, Austria, Sweden and Switzerland, are well trusted by consumers and
are one of the reasons for the current
boom in the market for organic products
in these countries. All national legal norms
on organic production standards in the EU
member states have been rendered void
when the EU Regulation entered into
force. The same will apply when the accession countries like Poland, Hungary
enter the EU in 2004.
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/consleg/
main/1991/en_1991R2092_index.html
The EUR-Lex website leads to a consolidated version of the EU Regulation
No. 2092/91 and includes amendments
up to 23.03.2002. Available in all languages of the EU.
http://www.wto.org/
The website of the World Trade Organization gives the current status of the
negotiations on the Agricultural Agreement and international commitments to
reduce agricultural subsidies.
Figure 10: Governmental and private
logos for organic products in Europe
http://www.iafinc.org/
The members of the International
Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the fields
where they have already signed Mutual
Recognition Agreements (MLA) may be
viewed on the website of IAF.
http://www.european-accreditation.org/
The Multilateral Agreement for inspection and certification bodies is available
on the homepage of the “European cooperation for Accreditation” organization.
Belgium
http://www.iso.ch/
The homepage of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO),
which has its headquarters in Geneva,
contains details of ISO 65 pertaining to
certification bodies.
http://www.cenorm.be/
The web pages of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) give full
details of EN Standard 45011.
http://www.ifoam.org
The website of IFOAM the International
Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements publishes in the chapter
“organic guarantee system” the Basic
Standards and the Criteria for accreditation. It provides also information on the
IFOAM Accreditation Programme.
Denmark
http://www.blw.admin.ch/themen/aw/
bio/e/index.htm#links
On the homepage of the Swiss Federal
Office for Agriculture there are lists of
approved European and Swiss certification bodies for downloading.
Germany
56
Spain
Great-Britain
Netherlands
Finland
Norway
France
Austria
Sweden
Italy
57
3.
Major markets:
Selected countries
Chapter 3 gives detailed information on
the major organic markets in the EUAustria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy,
Sweden, The Netherlands and the United
Kingdom. Country addresses are listed in
Annex IV.
3.1
The organic market in
Austria
3.1.1
Market volume and potential
The first organic farms in Austria were
established in the 20’s but the real organic
boom phase started in the beginning of
the 90’s when in 1991 the Austrian
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry introduced national conversion subsidies
through its program ÖPUL – Austrian
National Aid Programme for the Promotion
of Extensive Farming which protects the
Natural Living conditions
(http://www.bmlf.gv.at/frame.html). By
1999 according to ARGE, the Austrian
umbrella organisation for organic farming
(ARGE; http://www.bioclub.at) 64.5% of
Austria’s organic farmers were organised
into farmers’ associations. The associations about eleven of them, at present,
have established their own standards,
some of which are stricter than the existing legal standards in Austria (Council
Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 and the
Codex Alimentarii). Besides ARGE
(http://www.bioclub.at) a second organisation was also formed in 1994, the ÖIG
(http://www.oekoland.at).
Apart from the state, retail chains and
food processors also influenced the development of organic agriculture by promoting organic products in linking them with
Figure 11: Organic food and
beverages in Austria 1998–2002
500
€ million
400
330
(estimated)
300
200
225
100
0
1998
Source: Kortbech-Olesen, 1999, FiBL, 2003
58
2002
Figure 12: Sales channels for organic
products in Austria in 2000
Organic food and health
food shops
8%
Bakers and Butchers
2% Restaurants and canteens
3%
Direct sales
and weekly
markets
15%
Retail sector
72%
Source: Hamm et al., 2002
vitality and the preservation of Austrian
landscape and culture. Thus organic farming accounted for 297,000 ha by the end
of 2002, which was 11.6% of the total
agricultural area.
The market share of organic products is
about 3% of the total food sales estimated
for up to € 330 million. Important organic
products for the Austrian market are milk,
cereals and vegetables like carrots, onions
and potatoes. Potatoes have a market
share of 11.9% in the total organic sales in
Austria, fresh milk 8.9%, yoghurt 5.5%
and butter 6.3%. Cheese, meat, fruits and
vegetables each have a share between
3–4% of which fruits and pork show increasing trends. Retail chains are the main
sales channels with a market share of
more than 70%. Direct sales and weekly
markets is about 15% and organic food
stores, bakers and butchers, private restaurants and canteens make up for the
rest approx.15%. The average consumer
price premium for organic products is about 59% being moderate in milk and eggs
but high in vegetables.
It is expected that organic food sales in
the conventional retail trade could reach a
market share up to 15–20% by 2005 while
the government strives for 30% organic
volumes by 2006. In 2001 the Austrian
Ministry of Agriculture and the organic umbrella organisation ARGE- Biolandbau further proposed a promotion concept for
organic agriculture in Austria concerning
consumer information, marketing, training,
advice and research.
Even though 72% of the Austrian population buys organic products, the volume is
expected to rise, as consumers in Austria
mostly trust the organic origin. Motives for
buying organic products are health and
care for environment, better taste, support
for own region, education and higher income. Nevertheless bottlenecks do exist
in organic sales like the price differences,
equal quality as conventional items, the
lack of taste, short shelf life and the small
choice. Also on the farmer’s level there are
some barriers for market expansion. There
are even farmers who reconvert to conventional production systems due to problems in the advisory system or problems
in selling organically produced products as
a labelled organic product. Challenges for
the future include developing ways of cooperative management taking into consideration the interests of the supply chain
and “Bio Regions” (regions where a high
percentage of farmers practice organic
agriculture and market their products
locally).
3.1.2
Imports and market
requirements
About one third of all organic products
sold in Austria are imported from The
Netherlands, France, Germany and Italy.
Of the € 330 million sales of organic products in the last year € 72 million came
from imported products. 50% of this accounted for the organic vegetables imported from the Mediterranean countries and
Germany. 20% of the organic cereals
consumed were imported. It is mostly the
supermarkets themselves and also the
large organic wholesalers that directly import organic products. The conventional
importers are not so much involved in the
organic imports but their interest is growing. There was also a noted amount of
import of oil seeds from Hungary, Czech
Republic and Germany.
3.1.3
Market access provisions
Market access for organic products is regulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 on organic farming (see Chapter 2). The following additional provisions apply in Austria:
The additional statutory regulation, called
Austrian Food Codex (Österreichischer
Lebensmittelkodex), includes standards for
animal husbandry and aquaculture and
standards for approved ingredients, additives for processing of organic animal products. These standards are mandatory for
any organic production and processing in
Austria. Products imported from other EU
Member States or from third countries
only have to comply with the EU Regulation 2092/91; compliance with the
Austrian Food Codex is not required by
them.
The inspections laid down by the EU regulation on organic farming are conducted
by seven private inspection bodies. These
inspection bodies are approved and
supervised by the Lebensmittelbehörde
Table 5: Import and export of organic agricultural products in Austria
Imports
Product group
Exports
Total quantity –
(t)
Main countries
of origin
Total quantity –
(t)
Countries exporting
to
Cereals
2,000
NL, CZ, DE
5,000
DE, FR, CH, DK, GB
Oilseeds
1,500
NL, CZ
100
DE, CH
600
EG, IL, IT, FI, ES, DE
5000
GB, IT, DE, CH
Vegetables
9,400
IT, FR, ES
2,200
DE, GB, IT, CH
Fruits (incl. Nuts)
9,800
IT, FR, ES, CL
Potatoes
Wine (hl)
Milk and Milk
products
–
1,000
DE, FR
Beef
–
Pork
–
DE, NL
Poultry
–
DE
Eggs
(in million pcs.)
–
500
DE, CH
10,000
DE, SE
30,000
DE, GB, ES, NL IT,
FR, CH
100
IT, FR, NL, BE, DE
80
IT, DE
–
2
IT, CH
59
(Food Authority) of respective land (province). Precondition for the authorisation
as inspection body is the accreditation
according to EN 45011, which is conducted by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit (Ministry of Economy
and Labour).
There are a number of private organic farming associations with their own standards for production and processing. These
standards usually exceed the requirements
of the statutory regulations. The organic
farming associations authorise members
and licensees to label products with the
logo of their association if they meet their
labelling requirements.
Bio-Ernte Austria (former Ernte für das
Leben) is the biggest and best known organic farming association in Austria, boast
of 11.500 farms and more than 200.000
ha agricultural area (year 2002,
http://www.ernte.at/frameseiten/f_wer_mit
gl.html). For products that are supposed
to be labelled with the association’s certification mark (Ernte) the use of ingredients
not certified by Ernte is not permitted.
The AMA logo is the national label for
products from organic agriculture. The
label, managed by the Agrar-MarktAustria-GesmbH (AMA), may be used for
all products produced according to EU
Regulation 2092/91 and chapter 8 of the
Austrian Food Codex (“Österreichischer
Lebensmittelkodex”). There are two types
of the AMA-logo. The red and white label
includes an indication of origin. This label
can be used on organic products where
70% of the value determining ingredients
originate from the country or province that
is indicated on the label. The indication of
origin is not restricted to Austria. For the
black and white label there are neither any
references to the origin of products nor
any other restrictions. The use of the AMA
logo requires a contract with AMA and an
objective inspection of the requirements.
The import of organic products from third
countries is regulated by the EU Regulation on organic farming. Applications for
import permits for organic products have
to be issued by the importing company to
the Lebensmittelbehörde (Food Authority)
of the Bundesland where the importing
company is located.
60
3.2
Denmark
3.2.1
Denmark is one of the pioneers in promoting organic agriculture. Since the first
organic legislation was introduced in
Denmark in 1987, it has been the government’s policy to actively promote organic
farming. Denmark has one of the largest
consumption rates of organic products
per capita worldwide. It is also one of the
top ten countries in Europe as regards the
organic share of the total cultivated area.
Organic products accounted for 3.5% of
total food sales, which was about € 270
million in 2001. In 2002 retail sales for
Organic food and beverages are estimated
to have reached € 350 million. Organic
farming accounted for 6.6% of the total
Danish farmland (corresponding to
178,360 ha) in 2002. The number of orga-
nically managed farms increased from
2200 in 1994 to 3714 in 2002 (5.9% of all
farms in Denmark). The average size of
organic farms in Denmark is 48 hectares.
Development of organic farming goes
back to the 1920’s when Denmark experienced a widespread interest in natural
living and natural foods that was followed
by the establishment of The Biodynamic
Association in 1936. The Danish movement was further organised with the foundation of the Danish Organisation in 1981
for organic farming that was made up of
farmers, consumers and processors with
its own growing and breeding regulations
and an independent inspection. The rapid
development of the sector in recent years
is a result both of government support
and strong co-operation among government authorities, organic farmers and the
retail trade, in particular FDB (Coop
Denmark). The state is aiming at 10% of
organic farms by 2005.
Figure 14: Sales channels for the
organic products in Denmark in 2000
Guidelines for conversion to organic farming in Denmark are more stringent than in
many other EU countries because in
Denmark the whole farm must be converted. Conversion subsidies are granted up
to a maximum amount of 5,000 Danish
crowns.
About 90% of all organic products are
sold in supermarkets (FDB, Dansk
Supermarket, IRMA, SuperBrugsen etc.)
and discount stores. Only 4% is handled
by organic health and speciality shops and
7% via direct sales. The main organic
items are cereals, milk, dairy products,
eggs, fruits and vegetables. Organic carrots, eggs, butter and milk already have
market shares of more than 15% of the
total sales in each product category. A
market share of 10% for all organic food
and beverages in relation to overall sales
(organic and conventional) is expected by
the year 2005. Organic products achieve
average price premiums of 20 to 30%.
Due to the government-controlled Ø label,
organic food and beverages are easy to
find in Denmark. This label is well known
because of intensive advertising and is
trusted by the customers.
From the point of view of an exporter, the
food processing industry is the most important market segment, as most imports
consist of raw materials that are repacked
or processed in Denmark. There are interesting prospects for exporters in emerging
countries and countries in transition who
can supply quality products at competitive
prices. Importers and food processors are
interested in obtaining more supplies
direct from source – depending on the
product in question and provided there is
Figure 13: Organic food and beverages
in Denmark for 1998 and 2002
500
€ million
400
300
200
270
330
(estimated)
100
0
2000
Source: FiBL, 2003
2003
Organic shops
and health
food stores
4%
Direct sales and
weekly markets
7%
Retail sector
89%
confidence in the certification procedure
applied in the producer country. Product
innovations and consumer confidence in
the authenticity of the organic origin of the
product are necessary conditions for the
market potential to be realised fully.
3.2.2
Imports and market
requirements
Imports of consumer-packed organic food
and beverages are currently insignificant.
This is because only products that are
processed or packaged in Denmark are
allowed to use the government owned
Ø logo. Therefore imports of organic food
and beverages are largely in the form of
unprocessed or semi-processed raw material.
Markets for vegetable, root and tuber products have grown rapidly. Organic carrots
represent 13% of the total carrot sales in
the supermarkets. Imports of fresh vegetables are mostly from The Netherlands,
France, Italy and Spain. The production
of organic fruits and berries is small, the
main crops being blackcurrants and pears. About 3,000 tonnes of fresh fruits
were imported in 2000. Regardless of their
original origin, most fresh fruits are imported via The Netherlands. Almost all imports
of fresh organic fruits are repackaged and
labelled with the Ø logo in Denmark. The
demand for dried fruits and nuts is met
almost entirely by imports, which include
temperate, subtropical and tropical fruits,
nuts and kernels.
61
Processed organic tomato products are
highly popular in Denmark. Small retail
packs of frozen vegetables are already in
the market. Demand for frozen organic
vegetables is still only slight, but is on the
rise. Import requirements are for bulk
packed juice, which is then packed or
bottled in Denmark. Imported deep-frozen
fruits are further processed into marmalade and jam in Denmark.
Production of organic cereals tripled between 1992 and 1996 (reaching 21,000 t
in 1996) and imports reached 83,600
tonnes in 2000. 29.5% of the rolled products sold in Coop Denmark are organic.
The market for organic breakfast cereals
is growing rapidly and imports are mainly
done from Germany, Austria and Italy. In
1998, all FDB-owned bakeries switched
completely to organic bread. Pasta, mainly
of Italian origin, is imported in bulk,
repacked in Denmark and labelled with
the Ø logo.
All major retail organisations offer a selection of organic coffee and tea. Suppliers of
organic coffee include Mexico, Guatemala,
Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Peru. These
are packed under a manufacturer’s brand
name and carry the Ø logo. Some packs
also supplement the organic logo with the
Max Havelaar Fair trade logo.
Dried herbs constitute an important product group. Products are usually imported
in bulk, repacked in Denmark into small
units and labelled.
Oil seeds of sesame and sunflower are
imported. In addition to this soybeans are
imported as it forms a basis for many different food items (tofu, soy drinks, vegetal
burgers).
About 3000 hl of organic wine was imported and bottled in 2000 mainly from
Germany and France.
Similarly products like organic baby foods
are imported in retail packs from Germany.
Imports of animal feed have been allowed
only since 1990. Organic animal feed is
imported from Germany and the imports
of cereals used as animal feed has grown
several times.
The milk and dairy industry also play an
important role and hold more than 30% of
the organic products’ market share.
Imports of organic meat and eggs are insignificant. A small volume of raw meat is
imported from The Netherlands to
produce organic sausages.
3.2.3
Market access for organic products is
regulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 on
organic farming (see Chapter 2). The
following additional provisions apply in
Denmark:
Table 6: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Denmark
Product group
Imports
Main countries
of origin
Total quantity –
(t)
Countries exporting
to
Cereals
83,600 of which 63,600
Fodder and 20,000
Human
DE, IT
10,000
GB, DE, FR
Potages
2,000
DE
2,500
DE, SE
Vegetables
1,772
8,000
DE, GB
Fruit (incl. nuts)
3,000
100
Wine hl
3,000
–
Milk and milk
products
–
30,000
GB, DE
Beef (incl. Veal)
–
66
GB
Pork
Poultry
–
450
GB, IT
No import of significance
125
GB, NL
No import
20
Eggs (million pieces)
62
Exports
Total quantity –
(t)
On the basis of the national inspections,
the authorities grant the Ø label. Inspection and certification of organic products is
a part of normal food control procedures
and is therefore executed exclusively by
public authorities (in contrast to most other European countries). The two authorities responsible for the implementation of
the EU-Regulation on organic farming are
the Danish Plant Directorate (responsible
for the area of plant and animal production) and the Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration (responsible for the area of
processing and distribution).
Applications for import of organic food
must be sent to the Food and Veterinary
regional authorities and applications for
import of organic feed must be sent to the
Danish Plant Directorate. The Danish
Veterinary and Food Administration can
provide information about the relevant regional authorities.
3.3
France
3.3.1
Market volume and
potential
The French organic market began to develop in the 1970s. In the 1990s, growth
in both organic production and consumption accelerated, but at a much slower
rate in France than in many European
countries. By 2002 11,177 organic farms
managed in total 509,000 ha (1.7% of
farmland).
France has, with a population of more
than 58 million, one of the largest food
markets of Europe. However organic food
just has a market share of 1.0–1.5% of
beverages in France 1998 and 2002
1500
1500
(estimated)
1200
€ million
Denmark implemented already at the end
of the eighties a national label for organic
products to promote organic agriculture:
the national “Ø” label (Statskonrolleret
Økologisk). The national Ø label that must
be printed on all organic products indicates that the preparation of the product,
e.g. its processing, packaging or labelling,
has been controlled by the Danish authorities. The symbol is seen foremost on
Danish products and also on some foreign
products that have been packaged in
Denmark. It is only if the final part of the
control has occurred in Denmark (production, processing, packaging or labelling),
that the Ø label can be used. Importers,
processors and packers must register with
the Danish authorities and their activities
must be inspected by these authorities.
900
600
720
300
0
1998
2002
total food sales. In 2002 sales in organic
products was estimated at €1.2–1.3
billion.
75% of French households shop once a
week at a supermarket. Supermarket
chains have a market share of 42% (2002)
of the total sales of organic products, and
aim to participate more actively in the organic business in future. Specialist organic
retailers account for 28% of organic product sales. 30% of organic products are
sold in bakeries and via direct marketing.
An increasing amount of organic products
are expected to be channelled through
catering, canteens and restaurants, and
will gain importance in the organic market.
Carrefour is the leading retail chain in organic food supply.
Growing environmental awareness, fear of
food scares and scepticism of genetic
engineering are stimulating demand for
Figure 16: Sales channels for the
organic products in France in 2000
Restaurants/
Canteens
2%
Weekly markets/
Direct sales
23%
Bakeries
and butchers
5%
Retail
Chains
42%
Special Organic shops
28%
Source: Hamm et al., 2002, Richter et al., 2003
63
organic food and beverages in France.
Growth rates of around 5–10% are expected for the organic market in the coming
years. The development of the French organic market depends upon four factors:
• availability of organic products,
• consumer demand,
• government support and
• quality and professionalism of the organic trade.
In supermarkets, the products of integrated production, which are also strongly
promoted and supported by them, are the
main competitors of organic products in
France.
The organic product groups with the
strongest growth in sales are:
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, cereal products and beverages. These three product groups together account for almost half of total organic sales
• Dairy products, meat and meat products
• Dried fruits, legumes, culinary oils, coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, honey, spices
and culinary and medicinal herbs
• Prepared dishes.
Cereals dominate the processing sector.
These are followed by dairy products, fruits and vegetables, spices, poultry products, medicinal and other herbs, soy products, meat, convenience products and
coffee. Dairy products and the processing
of eggs and poultry are also areas of
growth within the processing sector. Now
that a number of major food processors
have commenced with organic production, an annual growth rate of 10% is expected in this sector too.
3.3.2
Imports and market
requirements
Only a part of French demand for organic
products can be met by domestic production. Off-season products and tropical/
exotic organic products have ready
access to the French market. Organic
imports have grown very rapidly since the
mid-1990s. The import volume from nonEU countries has multiplied between 1994
and 1997. EU imports come mainly from
Germany, The Netherlands, the United
Kingdom and Italy. Non-EU products are
imported from North American countries
(USA, Canada), Latin America (Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican
Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay),
Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Slovak
Republic) and Africa (Algeria, Burkina
Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea,
Madagascar, Morocco, Senegal, South
Africa, Togo, Tunisia and Zimbabwe).
Imports from Asia are insignificant.
Emerging markets and markets in transition that already export EU-certified organic products have good prospects of expanding their exports to France. There is a
good potential for imports for the following
raw materials and final products from the
tropics and the Mediterranean region:
Table 7: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in France
Imports
Product group
Exports
Total quantity –
(t)
Main countries
of origin
Total quantity –
(t)
Countries exporting
to
Cereals
112,225 (00)
AT, IT, FI, DE
25,000
BE, CH, DE, NL, GB
Oilseeds
18,200 (99)
DE, IT
5,000
DE, NL
Olives for oil
2,200
ES, IT
300
Potatoes
6,000
DE, ES, IL
1,000
AT, LU, GB
Vegetables
30,000
BE, ES, IT, NL
20,000
AT, BE, CH, DE, PT
Fruit (incl. nuts)
25,000
BE, ES, IL, IT
15,000
DE, GB
Wine hl
20,000
ES, IT
150,000
DE, DK
25,000 (99)
BE, DE
1,000
DE
800
DE
Milk and milk
products
Beef (incl. Veal)
0
1,300
DE
0
80
BE, DE, IT, GB
Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003; FiBL estimations based on data from importing or exporting countries.
64
.
Poultry
• Cereal, soy, sesame and amaranth
products
• Rice and rice products
• Dried legume products (beans, lentils,
chickpeas)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fruit juices and concentrates
• Dried fruits
• Deep-frozen fruits, concentrated fruit
purées and pastes for processing
• Coffee, tea and cocoa, both raw and
semi-processed
• Culinary and medicinal herbs and essential oils, in particular tropical herbs
and oils
• Cane sugar and honey
• Culinary oils and fats (palm oil, soy,
coconut, peanut, sesame and olive oil).
Regulation and additional production regulations as well as the inspection by an inspection body approved by the French
Ministry of Agriculture. The differences
between the requirements of the EU
Regulation and the additional regulations
especially refer to the production and preparation of animals and animal products
(including aquaculture).
The AB logo may also be used for imported organic products from other European
or third countries – provided that it can be
proved that the requirements of the
French production regulations have been
met. However plant products have to be
produced within the European Union unless the product is listed on the list for
“exotic products”. French approved
inspection bodies may sub-contract foreign inspection bodies for inspection according to the AB-requirements.
In France, an array of private organic
inspection and certification companies
are approved by law (Aclave, Agrocert,
Certipaq, ECOCERT Sarl, Qualité France,
Ulase). These companies must meet the
requirements of EU Regulation 2092/91
and be accredited according to the EN
45011 by COFRAC (Comité Français
d’Accreditation), which is the official body
for the accreditation of organic inspection
and certification bodies.
France meets its own needs in organic
meat and organic dairy products, but imports 60% of its demand for protein-containing animal feeds.
3.4
Germany
3.4.1
Market volume and
potential
3.3.3
In Germany, first farms already converted
to organic management in the early 20th
century, when the first health food stores
(Reformhäuser) were established.
However, organic farming remained a
niche sector until the 1980s, organic
produce being sold only in health food
and natural food stores (Naturkostläden).
It was only in the early 1990s, when conventional retail chains began to sell organic products that sales surged. Today
Germany as a market for organic products
is Europe’s largest and the world’s second
largest after the USA. A goal of the
Federal Government is to expand the organic agriculture surface up to 20 per cent
in ten years. The expansion is to take
place on a long term basis, i.e. supply and
demand is to grow heavily. In addition information and market transparency must
France:
France was one of the first European
countries to implement a national logo for
labelling organic products, the “AB” logo
(Agriculture Biologique). It has displaced
other private organic labels in France and
is the property of the French Ministry of
Agriculture. The AB logo has become the
most important label by which French
consumers recognise organic products.
The use of the AB logo is permitted after
signing a logo-using contract and compliance with the requirements of the EU
65
be improved as well as weak points in
production and marketing tackled. The
basic conditions for a further expansion of
the organic agriculture in Germany are
defined in the federal program. It supplements the existing promotion policies
around measures which support the development of organic farming at all levels
from the production to the consumer. For
this federal program in the years 2002 and
2003 the German government had a budget of € 35 million.
In 2002 there were 17,152 organic farms
in Germany, the area under organic production amounting to 696,978 ha (4% of
all agricultural holdings, with a share of
4.1% of the total agriculturally utilised
area). Since German reunification, a number of very large organic farms have been
established in the “new” (eastern) states of
Germany, which operate at lower production costs than those in the western part
of the country (former “West Germany”). In
a cross-European comparison, Germany
has an intermediate position. The German
Federal programme for organic farming is
now subsidising consultation for conventional enterprises that want to change
over.
Organic food sales in 2002 are estimated
at € 3.00 billion. This corresponds to a
share of 2.3% of total turnover of the food
market. By 2005, the turnover is expected
to double. However, health and natural
food stores still dominate today in
Germany (35% of total sales of organic
products). Only 35% of all organic products are marketed through supermarket
chains today while further 18% are sold
via direct sales. Nonetheless, German
supermarkets are expected to increasingly
enter the organic market. The specialized
organic supermarkets that opened in the
late 1990s are an attractive supplement to
beverages in Germany 1998 and 2002
3000
3,000
(estimated)
€ million
2400
1800
1,800
1200
600
0
1998
66
2002
products in Germany in 2002
Butchers/
Bakeries
7%
Others
5%
Direct
marketing
18%
Retail sector
35%
Health
food shops
9%
Organic shops 26%
Source: Hamm., 2003, estimations
the specialist organic retail trade. Catering
also has growing demand. The price premiums sway a lot between 18–142% and
this is mainly due to small supply, high
logistic costs and very high depreciation of
retail chains.
National production meets more than 60%
of organic demand. The main product
groups are bread and bakery, dairy products, tofu products, eggs, fruits and vegetables and meat. A considerable share
of the grains, cereals, muesli and beverages consumed in the country are produced domestically. The segments experiencing growth are meat, meat products, dairy products, seeds and plant products.
The importance of both convenience products (ready and semi-ready) and deepfrozen goods is growing.
Short-term supply bottlenecks occur repeatedly on the German organic market.
However, with improving availability this
problem is expected to become less severe. The potential problems in the future
development of the organic market in
Germany are: the increasing discount
orientation of retailers and consumers, a
deteriorating agricultural policy context,
price dumping for organic products by
supermarket chains or the loss of regional
processing facilities.
3.4.2
Imports and market
requirements
Germany is the largest European importer
of organic products. 38% of the product
value of all organic products is imported.
Fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed) are the largest import item, with a
share of 30% in terms of turnover of all
imported organic goods and a share of
50% of organic fruit and vegetable consumption. In organic cereals and cereal
products, and in eggs and poultry meat,
imports account for 10 to 20% of domestic demand. Important organic import
items also include nuts, tea, coffee, cocoa, spices, culinary oils and fats, sweeteners and bakery products. A large proportion of imports come from emerging markets and markets in transition.
3.4.3
Germany:
The Öko-Landbaugesetz regulates some
aspects of the implementation of the EU
Regulation 2092/91 (Organic Farming
Law) and includes a provision for fines for
companies that breach the EU regulation.
Various organic farming associations have
developed their own standards, which go
beyond the EU standards. These farmers
associations certify the products based on
their own standards whereas the inspections are delegated to EU approved
inspection bodies. It is advantageous for
exporters if, in addition to the EU Regulation, they also meet the requirements of
private standards schemes. The most important difference between the standards
of the farming associations and the EU
Regulation is the requirement for wholefarm organic management, which does
not allow parallel production of conventional and organic agriculture. Farms that
subscribe exclusively to EU standards are
permitted to operate conventionally on
parts of the farm.
Organic farming associations authorise
members and licensees to label products
with the logo of their association. The
Table 8: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Germany
Imports
Product group
Exports
Total quantity –
(t)
Main countries
of origin
Total quantity –
(t)
Countries exporting
to
Cereals
100,000
IT, HU, CA, US, AR, AU,
CZ, FI, AT, SE
80,000
FR, CH, AT, GB, DK,
SE, NL, LU
Oilseeds
8,000
FR, IT, HU, US, AR, CN,
IN, ES, AT, PT
3,000
GB, SE, LU, FR, PT
–
–
–
IT, ES, GR, PT
Potatoes
6,000
AT, F, IT, IL, NL, HU
12,000
GB, DK, NL, IT, FR,
AT, CH
Vegetables
50,000
IT, ES, FR, IL, NL, AT,
DK, MA, AU, AR, BE
10,000
GB, DK, SE, NL, FR,
FI, NO, LU, CH
Fruit
incl. nuts)
30,000
IT, ES, IL, FR, TR, AR,
CL, US, GR, NL, AT,
BE, ZA DO, NZ
2,000
GB, SE, DK, NO,
LU, CH
Wine hl
120,000
IT, FR, ES, AT
10,000
GB, DK, SE, US
Milk and milk
products
15,000
AT, DK, NL, IT,
BE, CH
25,000
FR, GB, IT, AT, LU, FI,
DK, SE
Beef (incl. Veal)
400
DK, NL, AT, AR
600
FR, GB, BE, IT, LU,
CH, NL
Sheep meat
(incl. Lamb)
30
NL
50
GB, FR, NL
Pork
400
DK, NL, AT
600
FR, GB, AT
Poultry
200
HU, FR
10
LU, AT
50
DK, FR, NL, CH
10
DK, LU
Olives for oil
67
There are 22 private inspection bodies
approved according to the EU-Regulation.
Ten of these are authorised to inspect importing companies, e.g. ABCert, Agreco,
BCS, EcoControl, GfRS, IMO, Lacon.
These companies usually support the import companies in applications for import
permits. Since May 2003 the Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung
(BLE) (Federal Agency for Agriculture and
Food) has been the competent authority
for issuing import permits for imports
from non-EU countries according to
article 11, paragraph 6 of the EU Regulation. An application form for import
permits may be ordered at
sachgebiet-oekolandbau@ble.de. The
import company has to document in the
application the equivalency of production
and inspection measures with the EURegulation and explain deviations. The
inspection body of the exporting company
has to confirm these statements. Only an
application signed by the importer and the
inspection body of the exporter in the third
country will be accepted by the BLE.
beverages in Italy 1998 and 2002
1500
1200
€ million
best-known private labels in Germany are
Bioland, Demeter and Naturland. For products that are supposed to be labelled
with the label of one of these associations
the ingredients have to be certified according to these standards and it might be
necessary for German inspection bodies
to inspect them, even if equivalence at the
European level had already been attested
for the imported products.
1,375
(estimated)
900
600
750
300
0
1998
2002
3.5
The organic market in Italy
3.5.1
Italy has the largest land area devoted to
organic farming in Europe, which is about
one quarter of the European Union’“s organic utilised area. In 2002 as per the
Ministry of Agriculture about 1,168,212 ha
were cultivated organically. There were
55,902 organic enterprises including
49,489 farms. The target is to reach 10%
of all agricultural area in Italy converted to
organic standards by 2005.
Organic agriculture really took off in Italy in
the mid eighties with the establishment of
the National Commission of Organic
In October 2001, the Ministry of Consumer Protection, Nutrition and Agriculture
introduced a national label for organic products, the “Bio-Siegel”. The Bio-Siegel
was introduced with a vast promotion and
marketing campaign. It is already wellknown. Companies complying with the
EU-Regulation 2092/91 may use the BioSiegel if they notify the logo-use with the
“Informationsstelle Bio-Siegel” (information
service Bio-Siegel). There are no restrictions for imported products. The use of
the label is free, however there are guidelines for the design of the logo.
There are supermarket trademarks e.g.
BioBio (Plus), Bio-Wertkost (Edeka),
Füllhorn (Rewe) and increasing marketing
activities for organic products in the conventional retail trade in Germany. Usually
these trademarks are based on the standards of the EU Regulation, but there are
stronger requirements regarding the product security.
68
Agriculture that had its own nation wide
self-regulatory standards for organic
farming. FIAO founded in 1992 is the
Federation of the principal organic and
biodynamic producer and certifying organisations. It represents the organic sector
at a political level and informs the public
about organic farming. In 2001 a consor-
tium was founded which unites the major
Italian processors and marketing companies.
Italy is the largest supplier of organic products within the EU and the most important categories of organic products are
forage/ pasture/ meadows (47%) and cereals (19.5%), olives (8.7%) and fruit including citrus fruits (5.6%). Organic cereals
mainly durum wheat for pasta making followed by barley, soft wheat and rice represent around 20% of the total organic agriculture production in Italy. Production of
organic fruits and vegetables is mainly in
the south especially citrus. Organic cattle
numbers in 2002 were 164,536 and for
pigs it was 19,900 (Ministero delle
Politische Agricole e Forestali 2003).
Sheep and poultry figures have doubled in
the last year. Organic olives are grown in
an area of 102,055 ha. Organic milk production has gone up by 18% to 7,6 million
kilograms. The same was also for other
milk products like butter and yoghurt.
Organic product sales amounted to
€ 1.17 billion in 2001. They have a market
share of 1.5% of the total food purchase
in 2002. According to a research study
consuming of organic products in Italy can
reach a turnover of € 5.2 billion in 2005
and the market share rise by 3.3%. 67%
of all organic operators are based in the
Southern region, 12% in the centre and
21% in the northern region. Organic pro-
products in Italy in 2003
Other sales points
5%
Supermarket
35%
Wholefood
stores and
direct sales
60%
Source: Consorzio per il controllo dei prodotti biologici, 2003
ducts are more available in the North the
reasons being established distribution
channels and 78.7% of the Italian Supermarkets with organic fruits and vegetables
are located in the North.
Of the 55,902 registered enterprises there
are 4,346 processors, 155 importers, 122
export companies, 1,700 supermarkets
and 1,000 agricultural and health food
stores.
Table 9: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Italy
Product group
Imports
Exports
Total quantity –
(t)
Main countries
of origin
Total quantity –
(t)
Countries exporting
to
Cereals
200,000
ES, FR, AR, AU, HU
300,000
NL, GB, DK, SE, DE,
BE, ES, PT, CH, FR
Oilseeds
NA
NA
NA
DE, FR
Olive oil
80
ES, GR, TN
10,000
DK, GB, DE, US, JP,
CH, FR
Vegetables
(incl. potatoes)
4,280
AT, DE, NL, EG, ZA,
CM, AO, TU, IL
21,823
AT, BE, CH, FI, GB, NL,
GB, DK, SE, DE
Fruit (incl. nuts)
12,484
ES, DO, AR, CO,
PE, NZ
199,441
AT, BE, CH, FI, NL, GB,
DK, SE, DE
–
–
490,000
US, JP, EU
120,000
AT, DE
7,000
AT, DE, CH, NL,
UK, DK
Beef (incl. Veal)
200
AT, DE
–
–
Pork
110
AT, DK, DE
35
DE, FR, GB
15
AT, FR
–
–
Wine (Hl)
Milk and milk
products (Hl)
69
It is expected that by 2005 supermarkets
would alone have 60% of the market shares for organic products. The price premium on organic products is 25% in
supermarkets and 30% in specialised organic stores. The prices paid for organic
fruit and vegetables though varies according to the season and is at times comparable to the conventional one. A little less
than half of the Italians are willing to pay
more for organic products compared to
conventional ones but the limit is often
20%. Italian consumers attach great value
to the origin of the product and the relation between health and nutrition, no chemicals and the support for ecological development.
3.5.2
Imports and market
requirements
Domestic production does not match with
the domestic demand and organic product imports are mainly from Argentina,
Chile and some parts of Europe. Fruit and
Vegetable packers such as Arabios, Di
Rosa and Cannizzaro are involved in importing. Imports are mainly from Austria
and Germany for milk and milk products,
which have recently had a sharp rise. Nuts
are imported from Spain, Dominican
Republic, Argentina, Peru and New
Zealand. Cereal imports were up to
200,000 tonnes in 2001 but these were
mainly from Europe.
3.5.3
Italy:
In 1992 a governmental decree (Decreto
ministeriale 338/92) drafted a centralised
notification and accreditation system of
private inspection bodies. In 1995 a new
decree (Decreto legislativo 220/95) replaced Dm 338/92 and defined the coordinative role of the ministry and the supervisory
tasks of both the ministry and the regional
authorities. In addition, the decree Dm
338/92 defines:
• the requirements for inspection bodies
and their evaluation procedure
• the forms to be used by operators and
inspection bodies
• the procedures for certificates and imports
70
Competent authority for the application of
Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 is the
Office for inter-professional agreements
and organic farming (Ufficio associanismo
accordi interprofessionali ed agricoltura
biologica) of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry (Ministero per le Politiche Agricole
e Forestali – MiPAF). MiPAF currently authorises 15 private inspection bodies for
inspection and certification according to
the Council regulation 2092/91. The inspection bodies are either accredited ac-
cording to EN 45011 by the accreditation
body Sincert, or directly by MiPAF. Some
Inspection bodies have an additional
IFOAM, NOP and JAS accreditation, for
details see the annexed list.
Before splitting up the original organization
into inspection and associative bodies
many organisations in the organic sectors
had proper standards and a proper label.
Since the organisations had to separate
associative activities and inspection activities, only three organisations have proper
standards of national significance:
BioAgriCoop (certification by BioAgriCert),
AIAB (certification by ICEA) and AMAB
(certification by IMC).
Labelling foreign produce with one of the
private labels can be done either by having the product certified directly by the
corresponding inspection body, or through
certification by an inspection body with
which the label-owner has a contractual
agreement.
Produce from EU member states, or
countries that appear on the third country
register (Council Regulation (EEC) 92/94),
can be imported and sold as organic in
Italy provided the produce is certified by
Produce from non-EU countries or countries that do not appear on the third country list, can be certified for the Italian market under the following conditions:
1. the produce has been certified by an
accredited EU member state inspection body
2. i n case the inspection body is not registered and accredited by an EU member country, application for import licences of organic products must be
presented to MiPAF. Based on the relevant documentation listed in MiPAF
Circ. no. 3 del 16/6/2000, MiPAF will
evaluate equivalence with the Council
regulation 2092–91 and authorise, or
not, imports into Italy. The process is
reported to be long and arduous.
3.6
Sweden
3.6.1
Organic development in Sweden started
with the emergence of the first organic
farms in the 1940’s. Before the 1980’s
organic farming in Sweden consisted of a
number of organisations working in isolation each with its own concept and philosophy. Then a common basis with a common concept of organic farming was
formed in the beginning of the 1980’s with
a forum for co-operation SAO – Samarbetsgruppen für Alternative Odling (the
Cooperation Group for Alternative
Agriculture). The need to work with farmers interests like policy making and marketing led in 1985 to the establishment of
ARF (Alternativodlarnas Riksförbund- the
National Association of Alternative
Farmers) which cared for developing this
market and later came to be known as
Ecologiska Lantbrukarna I Sverige
(http://ekolantbruk.se/ Swedish Ecological
Farmers Association) in 1994. It founded
KRAV (http://www.krav.se/) with an aim to
unite different practices under a common
system of standards and certification. It
brought together production organisations,
processors, retailers, environmental
groups and consumer associations and
acted as a strong binding group. All this
together with the first support to conversion to organic farming with the EU grants
helped in development of organic farming
in Sweden.
After careful market analysis the Board of
Agriculture has set a new overall target of
20% organic agricultural utilised area in
the year 2005. As of December 2002, the
organic agricultural area amounted to
187,000 ha which is 6.1% of the total
agricultural area and is cultivated by 3,530
organic farms (3.94% of all farms). The
Ecological Farmer Association strives for
30% of the agricultural land to be organically used by 2010. Though experts regard a market share of 2.0–2.5% as realistic, retail chains which are the main marketing channels, hope for a market share
of above 5% by 2005.
According to EU regulations (Sweden became a member in 1995) 14% of
Sweden’s agricultural area is organically
used, but only half of the area is organically certified. In 1999 almost 10% of
Sweden’s arable land was either certified
organic or was only participating on the
national support programme for organic
farming under Council regulation (EC)
2078/92. Other developmental factors
included a well-organised sector, consumers trust and awareness of a single
certification system and one label, good
relationship between the organic and conventional organisations and engagement
by the food chains. In Sweden to sell
organic products they must bear the
KRAV sign. It is the best known label to
consumers for environmentally sound food
products.
Two private sector bodies are recognised
by the government authorities to carry out
inspection and certification, KRAV
(http://www.krav.se) and Svenska
Demeterförbunde (http://www.antroposofi.com/biodyn/demeter/intro.html).
Sweden has no national certification body
or legislation defining organic farming.
beverages in Sweden 1998 and 2002
500
400
€ million
an accredited inspection body in a member state or by an accredited inspection
body listed in the annex of CR 92/94.
400
(estimated)
300
200
100
110
0
1998
2002
71
products in Sweden in 2001
Direct marketing
7%
Organic and Health food shops
2%
The average price premium is also quite
low at about 30% with the lowest in milk
and the highest in fruits and vegetables
depending on the season. However milk
presently has and will probably continue to
have the strongest growth the next few
years.
Eco Trade AB (http://www.odal.se/odal/
spannmal/krav/kravstyr.html) the main
marketing organisation for organic grain, is
working for long term contracts with farmers who can supply sufficient quantity
and good quality. Organic egg production
has also grown in the last few years with
2.5% of the eggs laid now organic.
Retail sector
91%
The organic market is currently growing at
a rate of 20–30% per annum. The market
share for organic products that is mainly
dairy and fresh fruits and vegetables is
between 1%–1.5%. While 91% of all organic products are sold via the retail sector
only 7% is sold by direct selling activities
or farmer shops and the remaining 2% by
other channels. The multiple retailer COOP
Sweden is one of the leading European
companies in selling and promoting organic food (app. 7% sales share in organic
food).
Motivation for the customers to buy organic food is their respect for animal welfare
within the organic production systems, the
environmental friendly agriculture and safety aspects. Nevertheless about 43% of
the population never buys organic food.
This can be related to the price premiums,
the limited supply and less trust in the organic production.
3.6.2
Imports and market
requirements
In Sweden organic products have been
imported for more than a decade and the
imports are higher than the exports.
Imports are oriented towards products
that are not produced or not available in
sufficient quantities in Sweden like citrus
and tropical fruits, cereals, vegetables
Table 10: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Sweden
Imports
Product group
Total quantity –
(t)
Main countries
of origin
Total quantity –
(t)
Countries exporting
to
Cereals
10,000
DE, US, IT, AR.
5,000
DE, CH
Oilseeds
5,000
DE, US
0
–
0
–
0
–
Olives for oil
40
IL.
0
–
Vegetables
1,000
IL, IT, DE, NL
0
–
Fruit (incl. nuts)
4,234
IT, NL, DO, DE
0
–
Potatoes
62,631 (l)
FR, ES, AT
0
–
Milk and milk
products
20
DK, DE
10
GB, FI
Beef (incl. Veal)
0
–
435
GB
Sheep meat
(incl. Lamb)
0
–
32
GB
Pork
0
–
316
GB, DK
Wine
72
Exports
nuts, spices, green coffee and wine.
Organic imports often use the same channels as non-organic products.
The largest import of organic fruits is banana from the Dominican Republic. Owing
to inadequate supplies the imports of citrus fruits has so far remained insignificant,
but there is a great demand for citrus fruits
especially for Satsumas and Oranges and
Swedish importers regard them as having
high import potential. The major exporting
countries to Sweden are The Netherlands,
Denmark, Italy, USA, Israel, and Argentina.
The real need for imports of vegetables is
in April and June before the domestic harvest begins. A growing demand is also
developing for herbs like Basil, Thyme,
Tarragon, Coriander, Rosemary and
Oregano. The Swedes are among the highest per capita consumers of herbs and
spices within the European Union and therefore Sweden is a potential market. All
dried fruits and nuts in Sweden are imported which include raisins, dates, figs,
plums, apricots, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and walnuts, etc. Organic dried vegetables imported are chickpeas, kidney and
mung beans, lentils and also desiccated
coconut and soy products including roasted soybeans. The most popular canned
fruits are pineapple, peaches, pears and
mixed fruits. Most of the trade for cereals
etc. is carried out by a company Ecotrade.
The company foresees a continued demand for basic organic cereals and for
grains with high nutritional value. Sweden
has the highest per capita consumption
rates for coffee and green coffee is imported from Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras,
Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil.
Organic baby food products have attained
a large market share as high as 10% for
certain products.
3.6.3
Sweden:
The solely approved private inspection
body KRAV carries out inspections.
KRAV developed an extensive private
standard that incorporates all relevant EU
requirements and a number of stricter requirements. In addition, it regulates some
areas not covered by the EU Regulation,
as for example textile production, leather
production, and aquaculture and pet food
production. Swedish companies that signed a licence agreement with KRAV are
allowed to label their products with the
KRAV logo – provided the products have
been produced according to the KRAV
standards. The KRAV logo dominates the
Swedish market and is well known by
Swedish consumers. For market access
the use of the KRAV logo is crucial.
Imported products that are supposed to
be labelled with the KRAV logo have to be
certified or re-certified by KRAV. These
products need to fulfil the requirements of
the EU Regulation as well as the applicable KRAV standards.
There are three categories (A, B & C) of
recognition of certification and inspection
bodies:
• The inspection body has an IFOAM
Accreditation and remains accredited.
• The inspection body is evaluated by
KRAV or an independent party recognised by KRAV. The evaluation is based on the requirements of the IFOAM
Accreditation Criteria e.g. with regards
to independence; objectivity; organisation structure; inspection and certification procedures etc. The recognition
decision will be reviewed every second
year.
• Other ways to establish credibility and
trustworthiness. The recognition decision will be reviewed annually.
For all categories, an agreement is required between KRAV and the certification
body. Besides fulfilling the EU Regulation,
standards must also correspond either to
KRAV’s standards or the IFOAM Basic
Standards.
In Sweden there are no additional statutory regulations on organic farming.
The two competent authorities are the
Ministry of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) –
responsible for agricultural production and
the import of animal feed) and the Ministry
of Nutrition (Livsmedelsverekt) – responsible for processing and import of organic
products).
73
3.7
3.7.1
The Netherlands
in The Netherlands 1998 and 2002
500
In 2002 organic sales amounted to about
€ 375 million, while the share of organic
products in the total food market figured
about 1.5%. This small share is partly
400
€ million
The Netherlands is a small and very densely populated country in which agriculture
plays only a marginal role, both in terms of
the area utilised and value added.
Wherever agriculture is practised, it is normally very intensive. The main branches of
production are fruit, vegetables, flowers
and ornamental plants and cattle farming.
Within the agricultural sector, organic farming plays only a modest role compared
to neighbouring countries. In the 1990s,
organic farming began to grow in the
Netherlands – as it did in most European
countries. In 2002, 1560 organic farms
managed a total of 42,610 ha, corresponding to 2.2% of total farmland. Food scares and downward pressure on prices in
conventional agriculture make organic farming attractive for consumers and producers alike. Since 1992, the government
has provided support for converting farms.
However The Ministry of Agriculture,
Nature and Fisheries abolished subsidies
for conversion from 1st January 2003.
A government plan of action has set the
goal of 10% of the area being managed
to organic standards by 2010. Most Dutch
organic farms are mixed operations.
375
(estimated)
300
200
230
100
0
1998
2002
Source: Platform Biologica 2001, 2004, FiBL, 2003
because distribution of organic products
is relatively expensive in The Netherlands
and organic products are thus often
more expensive than in surrounding
countries.
In The Netherlands too, market growth is
driven by the supermarkets. The interest
of supermarkets has grown steadily in recent years. In 2001 42.3% of the total
sales of organic products was sold via
supermarkets against 40.8% in whole
food stores i.e. health food shops and
natural food stores and 16.9% was sold
through other distribution channels like
bakeries, butcheries and direct selling.
Most supermarket chains in The Netherlands such as Konmar, Vomar, Dekamarkt
and De Nieuwe Weme sell organic
products in their branches. In 1998 the
Table 11: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in The Netherlands
Product group
Imports
Total quantity –
(t)
Main countries
of origin
Total quantity –
(t)
Countries exporting
to
Cereals
40,000
FR, UA, RO, NL
35,000
DE, UK, BE
Oilseeds
30,000
FR, AG, PY, NL
–
–
Potatoes
7,500
DE
5,500
DE, UK
Vegetables
80,000
IT, IL, ES,
130,000
DE, UK, SE, DK
Fruit (incl. nuts)
2,000
US, AG, NZ
1,600
DE, UK, AT, CH
Milk and milk
products
2,500
DE
15,000
DE, UK
Beef (incl. Veal)
690
AT, DE
0
0
Sheep meat
(incl. Lamb)
225
DE, GL
0
0
Pork
275
DE
430
UK, BE, AT, DE
Poultry
80
FR, NL
243
DE, BE
12
NL
1
DE
74
Exports
products in The Netherlands in 2000
Direct sales,
bakeries and butcheries
16.9%
Retail Chains
42.3%
The main imported products are fresh
fruits and vegetables, cereals, oil-seeds,
dried fruits, nuts, seeds for planting,
coffee, tea, spices and herbs. The main
suppliers are the central and eastern
European countries and EU member state
countries. Off-season and exotic products
from tropical and subtropical countries
account for an ever larger share.
3.7.3
the Netherlands:
Health and natural
food shops
40.8%
largest Dutch supermarket chain, Albert
Heijn (Ahold), launched an organic label
programme of its own and has since then
been promoting organic sales in a targeted manner. In 2001 they organised sales
offer weeks three times a year and during
these periods all organic products were
offered with a price reduction of 25%. In
the past two years, the share of organic
sales marketed through supermarkets has
risen to 42.3%. The low rate of domestic
supply and the expensive distribution are
the largest problems in the organic market
in The Netherlands. In foreign trade, in
contrast, The Netherlands has been able
to establish its role as an international
turntable for organic produce.
3.7.2
Imports and market
requirements
Imports have a central position for organic
produce in The Netherlands. The major
players in the organic market the supermarket chains, often have to procure organic products from abroad. On the other
hand, The Netherlands is also a large exporter of organic products. This is
because numerous international food processors process organic products for reexport in their branches in The Netherlands. Unprocessed organic products are
also re-exported from here.
In the Netherlands, EU Regulation
2092/91 is implemented through a national Decree on the Agricultural Quality of
Organic Production Methods. This legislation designates the organisation Skal as
the sole official body for inspection and
certification pursuant to the EU Regulation
in the Netherlands. In 2002, Skal was split
up into two organisations: the private
foundation Stichting Skal for certification of
organic production in the Netherlands by
order of the Ministry of Agriculture, and
the private company Skal International.
Skal developed private regulations for
some areas that are not yet covered by
the EU Regulation 2092/91.
Skal’s certification mark, EKO, indicates
that the product carrying it meets the requirements of the EU Regulation 2092/91.
The EKO label is mainly used for products,
which have been produced in the
Netherlands. Only foreign producers that
have signed a contract with Skal can use
the EKO label – provided they produce
according to the EU-regulations and meet
the requirements and conditions of Skal.
Applications for import licences for organic
products can be issued to the Ministry of
Agriculture. For imports to The Netherlands, product-specific requirements upon
quality, size and constituents must be met
(for addresses see Annex IV).
75
3.8
The organic market in the
United Kingdom
3.8.1
products in the United Kingdom in 2001
With the foundation of the Soil Association
in 1946, organic farming has a long history
in the United Kingdom (UK). However, the
organic market has developed only slowly
compared to other European countries in
the mid 90’s. This has been explained by
the poor interest of British consumers
and the modest financial support provided
to organic farms compared to other
European countries. It is only since the
late 1990s that demand for organic products has risen significantly, particularly for
dairy and meat products. This is due in
part to the advertising efforts of the retail
trade.
Independent/Health
food shops
11%
Local and
Direct Sales
9%
Multiples
Retailer
80%
The British retail market growth for organic
products has been one of the fastest in
Europe. The retail sales in 2003 are estimated to reach upto €1750 million.
Estimates of the share of organic products
in the overall retail market for the year
2002 ranged between 1.5–2.0%. The
main organic products are fruits, vegetables and herbs. Supermarkets today
account for 80% of organic product
marketing. Box schemes, involving
delivery to the home, directly or by mail
order of a box of fresh in-season organic
fruits and vegetables, are a significant
market outlet.
Of the 100,000 farms in the United
Kingdom, 4057 (1.74% of all farms) produced according to organic standards in
2002. These organic farms managed an
area of 724,523 ha, corresponding to a
share of 4.2% of the total farmland area.
Domestic production lags far behind demand. As 80% of the organic land is
classified as grassland used for organic
in the United Kingdom 1998 and 2002
2400
€ million
1800
1,435
(estimated)
1200
800
400
450
0
1998
76
2002
livestock production majority of the
organic products consumed are
imported.
Thanks to the entry of large supermarket
chains, the growth prospects of the British
organic food market are good. These
multiple retailers are responsible for 80%
of the total organic food sales, 9% is done
through local and direct sales and 11%
through independent and health food
shops. Experts consider annual growth in
sales by 10–15% to be realistic, reaching
a value of € 2.0–2.5 billion by the year
2005, which would amount to 2 to 3% of
total food sales. Trade estimates even put
the market share at 10 to 15% by the year
2009. The branches experiencing the
strongest growth are organic fruits and
vegetables, organic meat, wine, beer and
processed foods. A considerable rise in
the capacity of supply, of both domestic
production and imports, will be a precondition to this growth.
Besides the reliability and continuity of
supply, particular potential problems for
the British organic market are compliance
with quality requirements and pricing
structures. Furthermore, organic products
continue to compete with the food products of integrated production. The issue
will be resolved on the market. In the
United Kingdom organic products also
compete with low-cost “gene food”. This
increases the likelihood that the premium
for organic products (presently 50–55%)
will come under pressure.
Despite competition on the food market,
much scope will remain in future for foreign suppliers of organic products. The
crucial aspects are credible certification,
efficient trade structures and strong relationships with British market partners.
3.8.2
Fair Trade organisations are not always
able to sell tea and coffee with an additional organic label despite these having
been cultivated organically because a part
of the certification chain is missing. The
future market prospects of this product
group depend above all upon the commitment of the supermarket chains.
Imports and market
requirements
3.8.3
About half of all imported organic foods
come from EU member states. The main
organic suppliers outside of the EU are the
USA, Egypt, Israel, Argentina, South Africa
and Central America. Some 70% of organic foods are imported. The import share
for organic beverages (incl. wine and spirits) figures 90%, for fruits, vegetables and
herbs 82%, for cereals, bakery products
and baby food 70%, for juices 50% and
for dairy products 40%. Tea and coffee are
100% imported.
Organic fresh fruits and vegetables have
the strongest demand in the UK. Most
organic imports in this sector come from
EU and a group of well-established third
countries. British consumers place very
high demands upon the external appearance of these fresh products. They are
mainly distributed by supermarket chains
and box schemes. Excellent market perspectives exist for processed fruits and
vegetables particularly dried, frozen and
canned products. Demand for baby food
and convenience products is growing rapidly too.
Meat, meat products and eggs are supplied mainly by domestic producers. Half of
the domestic demand for cereal and cereal products is met by imports coming
mainly from the EU and the USA. Growth
is expected in the area of animal feeds
due to rising demand for organic poultry,
meat and eggs. Price differentials of 80 to
100% compared to conventional feedstuff
cereals are (still) commonplace. Cereals for
bakery products tend to be bought direct
by the millers.
Supply systems are complex with much
inter trading between suppliers for dried
fruits and nuts. In many cases dried fruits
though produced organically cannot be
sold as organic products because producers are not certified.
The market access for organic products
is regulated by EU Regulation 2092/91
on organic farming (see Chapter 2). The
following additional provisions apply in the
United Kingdom:
In 1987, the United Kingdom government
designated UKROFS (United Kingdom
Register of Organic Food Standards) as
an executive body to oversee and approve
the private certification organisations in
the UK. Although UKROFS could operate
as a certifying body (UK1), it only approved and monitored the activities of the
private certifying bodies (e.g. interviewing
and registering inspectors trained by
certification bodies).
Table 12: Import of organic agricultural food products in
The United Kingdom
Product group
Imports
Total quantity –
(t)
Main countries
of origin
Cereals
160,000
AT, AU, CN,
Eastern Europe, FR
Oilseeds
Very small
Potatoes
20,000
EG, ES, IT, IL, NL, DE,
FR, BE
Vegetables
74,000
NL, ES, IL, IT
AR, W. Africa, Chile, DK
Fruit (incl. nuts)
30,000
US, S. America, ES, NL,
FR, EG, IS, GR, IT, CL,
AR, NZ ZA, MX, GL
Milk and milk
products
22,000
AT, DK
Beef (incl. Veal)
496
AR, DE, SW, DK
Sheep meat
(incl. Lamb)
18
NZ, DE, SE
Pork
750
DE, SW, NL, DK
Poultry
700
DK, FR
5
FR
77
UKROFS had produced a set of official
national standards and established an
independent certification and inspection
scheme for organic producers. UKROFS
standards are based on EU standards
with additional UK regulations.
In 2001, a review of UKROFS was conducted which resulted in this body being
dissolved with effect from July 2003. The
executive functions previously undertaken
by UKROFS (e.g. approval and monitoring
of organic certifiers, issue of import authorisation etc.) are now undertaken directly
by the Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), in consultation
with the devolved administrations in the
other countries of the United Kingdom:
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There are currently 12 private sector bodies approved and monitored by
UKROFS/DEFRA in the United Kingdom.
These include OF&G (Organic Farmers
and Growers Ltd, UK2), Scottish Organic
Producers Association (UK3), OFF
(Organic Food Federation, UK4), SACert
(Soil Association Certification Ltd, UK5),
the Bio-dynamic Agricultural Association
(UK6), Irish Organic Farmers and Grower
Association (UK7) and others. Some of the
certification bodies certify only to the official national standards, others developed
additional private standards.
78
The oversight and approval of the certification bodies is now undertaken by UKAS
(United Kingdom Accreditation Service).
UKAS is the sole national accreditation
body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, and inspection and calibration services.
There is no national label for organic products in the United Kingdom. British
supermarket chains dominate the organic
market. They are known for their high quality and service standards and are widely
trusted by their customers. Therefore, the
word “organic” in combination with the
supermarket’s brand name like Marks &
Spencer Organic, Waitrose Organic,
Sainsbury Organic, Tesco Organic or
ASDA Organic are used in marketing. The
certification service sometimes appears
only with their official code-number (e.g.
Organic Certification: UK4), sometimes
with the certifier’s logo. Consumers accept
any UKROFS/DEFRA accredited UK certification service. Supermarkets are working
with various certification services depending on product and country of origin.
In the market place and by the consumer,
the symbol of SACert is presently the best
known and SACert labelled products
currently occupy about a third of the UK
organic market.
Part C: Annexes
Guidelines, Addresses, Forms
79
Annex I/1
The Swiss Ordinance on Organic Agriculture and on
Appropriate Labelling of Plant Products and foodstuffs
(short name: Bioverordnung 910.18 and 910.181).
As well as the different changes made since 1997, can
be downloaded in German, French and Italian from
the website:
in German
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c910_18.html
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c910_181.html
in French
http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/c910_18.html
http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/c910_181.html
in Italian
http://www.admin.ch/ch/i/sr/c910_18.html
http://www.admin.ch/ch/i/sr/c910_181.html
the inoffical version can be downloaded from:
http://www.blw.admin.ch
Annex 2 of the ordinance 910.181 gives
details about authorized fertilizers; Annex 3
of 910.181 gives details about authorized
ingredients and technical aids; Annex 4 gives
details about the country list.
80
Annex II
EU Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June
1991 on Organic Production of Agricultural
Products and Indications Referring thereto on
Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
The EU Regulation on organic production can be downloaded at the following website:
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/consleg/main/1991/en_1991R2092_index.html
This is the original – unconsolidated and
consolidated – text, which has since been
amended by numerous further pieces of EU
legislation.
To obtain the hardcopy of the regulation outside of
Europe, address yourself to the nearest European
Commission Delegation, the addresses are
available at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/
delegations/intro/index.htm
A consolidated (but unofficial) text incorporating
all amendments, which is regularly updated, is
available at:
http://www.prolink.de/~hps/
Inside of Europe address yourself to the nearest
European Info Center, the addresses are available
at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/offices.htm
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2001/
l_243/l_24320010913en00030014.pdf
gives the EU legislation on organic products from
non-EU countries.
As well as a text from the EU with information of
general nature regarding organically grown
agricultural products and foodstuffs with useful
explications to the legislation, available at:
http://europa.eu.int/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l21118.htm
Your Notes:
81
Annex III
Comparison of standards in organic agriculture
* Component of the “environmental performance record” (Ökologischer Leistungsnachweis, ÖLN: documentation
of ecological services provided in tillage farming): precondition for the release of direct payments.
** BIO SUISSE and Migros-Bio agricultural standards are identical.
Minimum requirements
EU Regulation on organic
production 2092/91,
Regulation to include
livestock production 1804/99
(as from Aug. 2000)
Swiss Organic Farming
Ordinance
(Bio-Verordnung: Bio-V)
Additional requirements
of BIO SUISSE/MigrosBio**/Demeter
Scope of Application
– Mandatory for plant products
and foods labelled with the
words “organic” (in English),
“biologisch” or “ökologisch”
(in German), or equivalent
terms
– Same as EU Regulation
– Mandatory products to be
sold as meeting the standards
of the BIO SUISSE Knospe
(“bud”), Migros-Bio or
Demeter organic labels
Principles
– To take into account of natural
cycles and processes
– To take into account of natural
cycles and processes
– Demeter: Use of biodynamic
compost preparations,
attention to stellar/planetary
influences on planting and
cropping
Prohibitions
– No utilization of synthetic
chemical agents or ingredients
– Same as EU Regulation
– No utilization of genetically
modified organisms or their
products
– No utilization of growth
regulators, defoliants or
herbicides
– No ionizing rays or irradiated
products
General
Requirements
– Sectoral conversion in crop
production and livestock
management (no parallel
production, traceability)
– Annual certification including
at least one inspection per
year
82
– Whole-farm organic management (non-organic wine or
fruit production permitted, in
accordance with ÖLN, within
the organic holding for an
unlimited period of time)
– No exceptions to the principle
of whole-farm organic
management
– 2 days mandatory training for
farmers starting the process
of conversion
Conversion Period
– 2 years and 3 years for
perennials; may be shortened
to 1 year for individual farms (if
no prohibited agents utilized in
the last 3 years)
– 2 years; conversion date
always January 1
– Demeter: 3 years, reduced
to 1 year if from BIO SUISSE
to Demeter, no retro-perspective approval of farms and
parcels
Conversion in Stages
(step by step)
– No specific legislation
– Permitted in specific circumstances on farms with perennial speciality crops, over a
period of 5 years at most
– Like Swiss Organic Ordinance.
Detailed conversion plan
required. No parallel production of non-organic and fully
organic fields is not allowed
in any case.
Environment Protection, Water Resources Protection and
Animal Welfare
Legislation*
– Compliance with relevant
national legislation
– Mandatory
–
production 2092/91,
(as from Aug. 2000)
Ordinance
– Balanced crop rotation, no
specific legislation in detail
(checked by national
inspection and certification
bodies)
– Maximum proportions in crop
rotation: Cereals (except
maize, oats) 66%, wheat
(incl. spelt) 50%, oats 25%,
maize 40%, potatoes 25%
– Min. 20% of soil improving
crops (e.g. ley and/or green
manures)
Surfaces enhancing
biodiversity (“Ecological Compensation
Areas”)*
– No specific legislation
– 7% of agricultural area,
3.5% for horticulture holdings
– 7% of agricultural area for
all holdings, min. 5% of total
vegetation must be low-input
grassland
Nutrient Balance *
– Even, on farms with livestock
inputs from livestock limited to
max. 170 kg N/ha
– Even, LBL (balance sheet of
Lindau agricultural extension
service) method
– Even, LU equiv. max. method,
LBL method where in doubt
Soil Fertility and Soil
Biological Activity
– Maintenance and improvement of soil fertility and soil
biological activity by means of
organic fertilizers and crop
rotation
– Maintenance and
improvement of soil fertility
and soil biological activity
– Demeter: Consideration of
stellar/planetary influences in
planting and cropping
Crop Rotation*
– Except for rice, a cultivation
break of at least a year must
be made between two mean
crops of the same variety for
annual crops.
– Low-impact husbandry
– Promotion of biodiversity
– Fodder production on the
holding to be graded in
correlation with manure
applied and fodder utilization
Use of Fertilizers and
Soil conditioners
– Only permitted fertilizers as
listed in special annex II A
– Organic fertilizers from own
farm wherever possible
– Min. 50% of nutrients to be
applied to own land
– No sewage sludge
– Spreading of nutrients max.
2.5 LU equivalent per ha in
prime locations
_ Maximum amounts of
nitrogen and phosphorus
per group of crops
– Peat only for seedling
production and peat border
– Export of farmyard manures
only to organic holdings,
import from holdings at least
having “environmental performance record” (ÖLN), max.
transport distance: 10 km
radius (poultry manure: 20 km)
– No use of meat, blood and
bone meal as fertilisers
allowed
– Permitted fertilizers as listed in
Annex 2 of Swiss Organic
Farming Ordinance (Bio-V)
– Conditioning of imported farmyard manures (if from holding
with ÖLN documentation)
– Fertilisers and soil conditioners
only from the Swiss Research
Institute of Organic Agriculture
(FiBL) list of approved substances
– Demeter: Use of biodynamic
compost preparations with
all farmyard manures at least
once per year. Application of
horn manure and horn silica
to every crop including grassland
Crop Protection
– Pest, disease and weed
control by making
comprehensive use of:
– Appropriate species and varieties
– Appropriate crop rotations
– As per EU Regulation
– List of permitted plant
protection agents as in Annex
2 of Swiss Organic Farming
Ordinance (Bio-V)
– Only substances from the
FiBL list of approved
substances
83
Crop Protection
production 2092/91,
(as from Aug. 2000)
Ordinance
– Mechanical and thermal methods
– Copper application limited to
4kg/ha
– Limits for application of
copper range from 1.5 kg
to 4 kg per hectare per year
depending on crop, e.g.
1.5 kg for apples/pears, 2 kg
for berries and 4 kg for stone
fruits, potatoes and wine (for
grapes: calculated on a
5 year average)
– Promotion and protection of
beneficial organisms
– Only substances of a special
list of permitted plant
protection agents (Annex II B)
– Metaldehyde and pyrethroids
in traps, organic herbicides
are not allowed.
– Use of copper: maximum
8 kg/ha on a 5 year average,
from 2006 on 6 kg/ha
calculated on a 5 year
average
– Use of substances not
compliant with organic
standards is not permitted
for commission processing
– Metaldehyde and pyrethroids
in traps, organic herbicides
are allowed (until 31 of March
2006).
Seeds and Plant
Propagating Material
– Seed, seedlings and vegetative propagating material must
be from organic production
(Transition period ends Dec
31, 2003: If proof is given that
organic propagation material
for an appropriate variety is
not available, conventional
seed may be used.)
– Demeter: copper not
permitted in vegetable
cultivation (incl. potatoes)
– Seed, seedlings and vegetative propagating material must
be from organic production
(Transition period ends Dec
31, 2003: If proof is given that
organic propagation material
for an appropriate variety is
not available, conventional
seed may be used.)
– No conventionally treated
seed allowed anymore after
2004 except when required by
legal national regulations
– No special regulations
– Max. 60% peat in soil mixes
and propagation substrates,
max. 70% peat in blocking
soil (sep. regulation for horticulture)
– Addition of Styromull (ground
styrofoam) to soil substrates
is prohibited
– A data-base system for the
availability of organic seed
must be in place in each
member state from 2004 on
Vegetable
Production
– Vegetable and herb seedlings
must be of BIO SUISSE
quality (max. 5% of seedlings
can be certified only to EU
organic standards)
– Compliance with BIO SUISSE
seed and seedling guidelines
– Soil steaming only permitted
for greenhouse vegetable
production and production
of seedlings
– Vegetable cultivation permitted in soil only
– Heating in greenhouses not
to exceed 5oC (from Dec. 1
to Feb. 28)
– Demeter: Mulch sheeting to
cover no more than 5% total
area, for speciality certain
crops
Fruit and Wine
Production
– No special regulations
–
– Generally year-round groundcover,
– Minimum green cover in
vineyards and orchards also
inarid areas (minimum of
4 months)
– Minimum quality standards
for organic fruit
Animal Health
– No prophylactic administration
of pharmacological medication
or antibiotics
– Medication journal to be kept
– Double withdrawal period after
administration of medication
(max. 3 cycles of treatment)
84
– Demeter: no dehorning. no
(intramammary) treatments
with antibiotics for drying off
Feeding
production 2092/91,
(as from Aug. 2000)
Ordinance
– Use of feedstuffs from on-farm
production
– Obligatory FiBL/RAC/BIO
SUISSE list of approved
feedstuffs
– 100% conventional feeds for
individual livestock categories
permitted until 1.1.2001,
for produce not to be sold
with the BIO SUISSE Knospe
label.
– Feedstuffs from organic
production may be bought in
– Max. proportion bought-in
feed from non-organic production (until 24th of August
2005, afterwards more
restricted):
– 10% of total intake of
ruminants (organic dry matter)
– 20% of total intake per
category of non-ruminants
– As a proportion of daily intake,
25% maximum conventional
feed (dry matter) permitted
– No chemical or synthetic
additives or genetically
modified organisms
– Detailed list of approved
feedstuffs
Bought-in Livestock
– A maximum of 10% of adult
bovine livestock and 20% of
the adult porcine, ovine and
caprine livestock may be
brought in, as female (nulliparous) animals, from non
organic-production stockfarms
per year, as replacements
(when organically reared
animals are not available).
(Exceptions include males for
breeding; herd/flock renewal
after disease outbreak.)
–
Cattle
– Special outdoor access and
housing area requirements
– Compliance with outdoor
access requirements of the
Swiss programme for regular
outdoor management of
livestock (Regelmässiger
Auslauf von Nutztieren im
Freien: RAUS)
– Cow trainers prohibited from
1.1.2002
– Tethered housing prohibited
from 2010 with the exception
of small farms
– No fully-slatted floors
– Bedded or dry and well
insulated rest areas
– Rearing and fattening calves in
groups on litter
– Other requirements as per EU
Regulation
– Embryo transfer prohibited
– No use of milk powder
– Min. 60% of feed as
roughage
– Conversion periods for
bought-in conventional cattle
6 months for milk, 12 months
for meat production or at least
3/4 of animal’s lifetime
Pigs
– Daily roughage for rearing and
fattening pigs
– Compliance with RAUS
outdoor access requirements
– Pasture and/or out-door
access
– Tail-docking, nose-ringing
(exception summering area)
and teeth-cutting prohibited
– Outdoor access from day 24
– Bought-in piglets must be
organically reared
pig-keeping guidelines
85
Pigs
production 2092/91,
(as from Aug. 2000)
Ordinance
– Compliance with special EU
requirements on outdoor
access and housing area
– Maximum age at castration 14
days
– Conversion period for boughtin conventional pigs for meat
production: 6 months
Goats and Sheep
– Compliance with special
– Conversion period for boughtin conventional livestock for
meat production: 6 months
Hens
– Other regulations as per EU
Regulation
– Use of milk powder permitted
for triplet births
– No tail-docking
sheep and goat guidelines
Regulation
– Max. 2000 laying hens per
housing unit
– Floor area at least 1/3
concrete (with litter)
– Detailed requirements on
housing size, stocking density,
nests, access doors, light
– Bought-in chicks must be
organically reared
– Laying hens: 6 hens per m2
floor area of housing. Outdoor
run 4 m2 per hen
– Laying hens: 5 hens per m2
floor area of housing. Outdoor
run 5 m2 per hen
– Max. 3000 laying hens and
max. 4800 broilers per
housing unit
– Broiler poultry: Outdoor run
2 m2 per hen
– Compliance with special
– Min. age at slaughter 81 days
for chickens, where impossible, slow-growing breeds to
be used
laying-hen guidelines
– No beak clipping or beak
trimming/heating
Regulation
– Conversion period for boughtin conventional poultry for
eggs 6 weeks and for meat
production 56 days (max.
3 days old)
Transport
– No special requirement
– No special requirement
– The products must be transported by land or by sea
Processing and
storage
– The use of additives and
processing aids is restricted
for plant products.
See Annex 6
– The use of additives and
processing aids is restricted
for plant and animal products.
See Annex 6 of the Swiss
Organic Ordinance
– In addition storage and processing, in particular the use
of additives and processing
aids as well as the processing
methods must comply with
the product specific directives
for processing.
(See www.bio-suisse.ch)
– No use of synthetic ascorbic
acids, colorants and natural
flavours allowed.
– No reconstitution of juices
allowed.
FIBL/BIO SUISSE 2003
86
Annex IV
Swiss, European and International Addresses
This Annex lists Swiss and international addresses of trading companies, producer organizations,
certification bodies and authorities. The collection makes no claim to being complete.
Annexes V and VI list further addresses.
1. International Organizations and Trade Fairs
IFOAM
Organization
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
IFOAM
International Federation
of Organic Agriculture
Movements
c/o Ökozentrum Imsbach
DE-66636 Tholey-Theley
Germany
+49 - 6853 - 51 90
+49 - 6853 - 30 110
webmaster@ifoam.org
www.ifoam.org
The addresses of national umbrella organizations and certification bodies can be obtained from IFOAM.
Demeter Organizations
In the year 2000, there are national Demeter associations based in 19 countries around the world.
These countries are: Austria, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, the
Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, England, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, New Zealand
and the U.S.A.
The address for Demeter Switzerland is given above. Enquiries concerning national Demeter
associations can be found at www.demeter.net. Some addresses of national associations based
outside the EU are:
Association
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
Bio-dynamic Farming &
Gardening Ass. Inc.
PO Box 54
AUS-2454 Bellingen
Australia
+61 - 2 66 55 85 51
+61 - 2 66 55 85 51
poss@midcoast.com.au
Instituto biodinâmico C.P.
321
BR-18603-970 Botucatu/SP
Brasil
+55 - 148 22 50 66
+55 - 148 22 50 66
ibd@laser.com.br
The Canadian
Biodynamic Alliance
255 Neva Road
P.O. Box 167
BC VOR 2GO
Lake Cowichan
Canada
+1 - 250 749 41 99
+1 - 250 749 47 88
Octavia@telus.net
Egyptian Bio-Dynamic
Association / SEKEM
Farms
POB 1535
Alf Maskan
11777 ET Cairo
Egypt
+20 - 2 281 88 86
+20 - 2 281 88 86
ebda@sekem.com
www.sekem.com
Bio-Dynamic Farming
and Gardening Assoc.
N. Z.
P.O. Box 39045
Wellington Mail Centre NZ
New Zealand
+64 - 4 - 589 53 66
+64 - 4 - 589 53 65
d.wright@clear.net.nz
Demeter Association Inc.
USA
+1 - 315 - 364 56 17
+1 - 315 - 364 52 24
demeter@baldcom.net
87
Inspection and Certification Bodies
See Annex V. A list of inspection and certification bodies accredited by IFOAM can be found at:
www.ifoam.org
Some addresses of national and international working certification bodies:
Certification Body
Country/Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
SKAL
Stationsplein 5
PO Box 384
NL-8000 AJ Zwolle
Netherlands
+31 - 38 - 426 81 81
+31 - 38 - 421 30 63
info@skal.com
www.skal.nl
Associazione Italiana
per l'Agricol-tura
Biologica (AIAB)
Strada Maggiore, 29
IT-40125 Bologna
Italy
+39 - 051 - 27 29 86
+39 - 051 - 23 20 11
aiab@aiab.it
www.aiab.it
KRAV (Swedish Organic
Agriculture Association)
PO Box 1940
S-75149 Uppsala
Sweden
+46 - 18 - 101 006
+46 - 18 - 101 066
Info@krav.se
www.krav.se
Farm Verified Organic,
INC. (FVO)
301 5th Ave SE
Medina, ND 58467
USA
+1 - 701 - 486 35 78
+1 - 701 - 486 35 80
farmvo@daktel.com
www.ics-intl.com/fvo.html
GARANTIE
Bio-Ecocert
50, Route du Président
Kennedy
Local 250, Lévis
Qc, Canada
+1 - 418 - 838 69 41
+1 - 418 - 838 98 23
garantie@globetrotter.net
www.garantiebioecocert.qc.ca
ECOCERT France
BP47F
32600 l’Isle-Jourdain
France
+33 5 62073424
+33 5 62071167
info@ecocert.fr
www.ecocert.fr
Trade Fair
Contact
Address
Telephone
Fax
BIOFACH
Nuremberg
Ökowelt GmbH
www.biofach.de
info@biofach.de
Industriestrasse 12
DE-91186 Büchenbach
Germany
+49 - 91 71 - 96100
+49 - 91 71 - 4016
ANUGA – Köln –
“World Food Market”
ANUGA
Köln Messe
www.anuga.de
Messeplatz 1
DE-50679 Köln
Germany
+49 - 221 - 821 0
+49 - 221 - 821 2574
PRO SANITA
Stuttgarter Messe- und
Kongressges. mbH
Pro Sanita
www.messe-stuttgart.de
Am Kochenhof 16
DE-70192 Stuttgart
Germany
+49 - 7 11 - 2 58 90
–/–
SANA
Bologna-Italy
www.sana.it
Trade Fair for Health
Food and Reformhaus
Goods in Bunnik
Vakcentrum
Voorstaat 91/a
3441 CK Woerden
Netherlands
+31 - 34 80 - 1 97 71
+31 - 34 80 - 2 08 01
BIOCULTURA
Vidasana
Calle Clot 39
E-08018 Barcelona
Spain
+34 - 3 - 2 65 25 05
+34 - 3 - 2 65 24 45
SIAL
Europe
North- and South America
Asia
1 rue du parc
92300 Levalloius-Perret
France
+33 - 1 - 49 68 54 98
–/–
www.sial.fr
sial@sial.fr
International Trade Fairs
88
2. Switzerland
Importers
Firm
Address
Telephone
Fax
Imported Products
Andros
Ch. de la Crétaux
C.P. 413
CH-1196 Gland
+41 - 22 995 08 00
+41 - 22 995 09 46
Orange juices
Agrexco Ltd.
Jungholzstr. 6
CH-8050, Zürich
+41 - 1-315 76 20
+41 - 1-315 76 70
Fruits/vegetables
Bargosa S.A.-Genève
25. rue Blavignac,
CH-1227 Carouge-Genève
+41 - 22-343 71 60
+41 - 22-342 80 72
Fruits/vegetables
Barry Callebaut
Sourcing AG
Sumpfstr. 3
CH-6300 Zug
+41- 41-748 72 44
+41 - 41-748 71 81
Cocoa
G. Berger AG
Hünigenstr.
CH-3510 Konolfingen
+41 - 31-790 44 44
+41 - 31-790 44 45
Cereals/coffee
Bertschi Fritz AG
Rührbergstrasse 13
CH-4127 Birsfelden
+41 - 61 313 22 00
+41 - 61 313 19 49
Coffee
Biofamilia AG
Brünigstrasse 141
CH-6072 Sachseln
+41 - 41 666 25 55
+41 - 41 666 25 50
Process nuts, sugar,
dried fruit into muesli
Biofarm-Genossenschaft
Postfach 18
CH-4936 Kleindietwil
+41 - 62 957 80 50
Bioforce AG
Abt. Heilpflanzenanbau
CH-9325 Roggwil
+41 - 71-454 61 61
+41 - 71 - 454 61 62
Herb salts, processed vegetables, whole grain rice
Biotta AG
Pflanzbergstr. 8
CH-8274 Tägerwilen
+41 - 71-666 80 80
+41 - 71 - 666 80 81
Juices, fresh vegetables
Bio Steinmann AG
Staufferstr. 2
CH-5703 Seon
+41 - 62-769 00 69
+41 - 62 - 769 00 66
Chocolate products
Blaser Café AG
Güterstrasse 4
CH-3001 Claro
+41 - 31 380 55 55
+41 - 31 380 55 40
Coffee
Blattmann
Seestrasse 201
CH-8820 Wädenswil
+41 - 1 783 40 40
+41 - 1 783 40 00
Cereals and cereal
products, oil-seeds,
protein plants
Bonatura AG
Industriestrasse 7
CH-3210 Kerzers
+41 - 31 750 14 26
+41 - 31 750 14 24
Fresh fruits (raspberries)
claro AG
Byfangstrasse 19
Postfach 69
CH-2552 Orpund
+41 - 32 - 356 07 00
+41 - 32 - 356 07 01
Tea, coffee, sugar,
sweeteners (muscovado)
Cretti & Co.
Hauptstr.1
CH-9434 Au
+41 - 71 744 05 05
+41 - 71 744 15 17
Cereals/coffee
Delinat AG
Kirchstr. 10
Postfach 8
CH-9326 Horn
+41 - 71 845 45 72
+41 - 71 845 45 79
Wine
DIXA AG
Stationsstr. 39a
CH-9014 St. Gallen
+41 - 71-274 22 74
+41 - 71-274 22 60
Herbs/spices
Eichberg Bio AG
Eichberg 32
CH-5707 Seengen
+41 - 62 777 00 49
+41 - 62 777 02 35
Protein plants, wine,
sugar, honey, coffee,
cocoa, tea, cereals, oilseeds, fresh fruits, juices,
vegetables, dried fruit
and nuts
Fairness Handel
Sedelstr. 32
CH-6020 Emmenbrücke
+41 - 41-268 11 22
+41 - 41-268 11 33
Fair trade produce
Dried fruit and nuts,
sugar
89
90
Firm
Address
Telephone
Fax
Imported Products
First Catering
Produktion AG
Grindelstr. 11
CH-8303 Bassersdorf
+41 - 1-838 50 00
+41 - 1-838 50 01
Vegetables/fruits
Frigemo AG Production
Cressier Fenaco
Rte de Neuchâtel 49
CH-2088 Cressier
+41 - 32 758 51 11
+41 - 32 757 17 38
Fresh vegetables
J. Carl Fridlin AG
Bösch 61
CH-6331 Hünenberg
+41 - 41-780 55 22
+41 - 41-780 28 08
Spices
Granosa AG
Eisenbahnstr. 41
CH-9401 Rohrschach
+41 - 718 44 98 20
+41 - 718 44 98 30
Cereals
Gugger-Guillod SA
Rte de l'Industrie 5
CH-1786 Sugiez
+41 - 26 - 673 23 73
+41 - 26 - 673 19 04
Fresh vegetables
Goldenpharm AG
Churerstr. 99
9471 Buchs 3
+41 - 81-756 55 54
+41 - 81-756 06 27
Baking products
Cantina Terra
Verde
Am Wasser 55
CH-8049 Zürich
+41 - 1-342 10 00
+41 - 1-341 97 62
Organe-Vine
Georges Helfer SA
Chemin De Fontenailles
CH-1196 Gland
+41 - 22-9999999
+41 - 22-9999988
Avocados
“Georges Sohn”
Henauer Kaffee und Tee
Hofstr. 9
CH-8181 Höri
+41 - 1-861 17 88
Hess Import
Haldenstr. 38
CH-8142 Uitikon
+41 - 1-400 42 41
+41 - 1-400 42 42
Dried fruits
Hilcona AG
Bendererstr. 21
FL-9494 Schaan
+41 - 75 235 95 95
+41 - 75 232 02 85
Vegetables, cereals,
cereal products, oil-seeds
Holzofenbäckerei
Dä Hobbit
Im Tal 50
CH-8233 Bargen
+41 - 52-6531683
+41 - 52-653 17 22
Vegan specialities
Horizonti
Kräuterhandel GmbH
Mittelholzerstr. 9
CH-9015 St. Gallen
+41 - 79-220 18 67/
+41 - 71-3112096
+41 - 71-311 46 17/
2096
Spices/herbs
HPW Marketing GmbH
Neumattstr. 30
CH-5000 Aarau
+41 - 62-834 80 60
+41 - 62-834 80 61
Pineapples
Hügli Nährmittel AG
Bleichestrasse
CH-9323 Steinach
+41 - 71-4472211
+41 - 71-4472994
Ready-to-serve products
IFIR Handels AG
Wengistrasse 7
CH-8026 Zürich
Schweiz
+41 - 1 297 27 01
+41 - 1 297 27 02
Cereals and cereal
products, oil-seeds,
protein plants
Jojoba Gold
Atlantis Center. C.P. 21
1628 Vuadens
+41 - 26-912 50 50
+41 - 26-912 50 11
Cosmetics/oils
Kentaur AG
Gässli 6
3432 Lützelflüh
+41 - 34-460 61 11
+41 - 34-460 61 66
Cereals/seeds
Knoll
Naturproduktehandel
GmbH
Talackerstrasse 14
CH-8274 Tägerwilen
+41 - 71 669 23 01
+41 - 71 669 22 34
'Brottrunk', a health
drink made of fermented
bread
Lendi
Erboristi
CH-6981 Bedigliora
Schweiz
+41 - 91 - 606 71 70
+41 - 91 - 606 34 91
Culinary and medicinal
herbs, tea
Lohit AG
Sharma Mahesh
Eisengasse 12
CH-6004 Luzern
+41 - 41-410 73 06
+41 - 41-410 76 08
Organic tea marketing
Maestrani Schweizerische Schokoladen AG
St. Georgenstr. 105
Postfach
CH-9011 St. Gallen
+41 - 71 228 38 11
+41 - 71 228 38 00
Cocoa
Mavena AG
Birkenweg 1-8
CH-3123 Belp
+41 - 31 - 818 55 88
+41 - 31 - 818 55 90
Cereals, cereal products,
protein plants, pumpkin
seeds for baby food
Tea/coffee
Firm
Address
Telephone
Fax
Imported Products
Max Schwarz AG
Villigen
Hauptstr. 49
CH-5234 Villigen
+41 - 56 297 87 87
+41 - 56 297 87 02
Transplants/seedlings
René Meier
Früchte + Gemüse
Amriswilerstrasse 36
CH-8589 Sitterdorf
+41 - 71 422 15 16
+41 - 71-422 49 76
Vegetables/fruits
Morga AG
Kapplerstr. 60
CH-9642 Ebnat-Kappel
+41 - 71-992 60 40
+41 - 71-992 60 56
Health food products
Multi Extrakt AG
Sägestr.11
CH-3550 Langnau i. E.
+41 - 34-402 22 94
+41 - 34-402 56 22
Cereals/seeds
Narimpex AG
Schwanengasse 47
CH-2503 Biel
+41 - 32 366 62 62
+41 - 32 366 62 66
Honey
Nestlé Suisse SA
rue d’Entre-Deux-Villes 10
CH-1800 Vevey
+41 - 21-924 31 11
+41 - 21-924 30 19
Foods for children
Obipektin AG
Industriestr. 8
CH-9220 Bischofszell
+41 - 71-424 73 00
+41 - 71-424 73 90
Fruit extracts
Oleificio Sabo
Via Cantonale
(Casella postale)
CH-6928 Manno
+41 - 91-610 70 50
+41 - 91 - 610 70 69
Oil-seeds
Perrenoud SA
Rue de l’Anel 1
CH-2112 Motiers
+41 - 32 861 14 45
+41 - 32 861 28 66
Wine
Phag sarl
La Ligniere
Case postale
CH-1196 Gland
+41 - 22-364 11 18
+41 - 22-364 53 63
PRONATEC AG
Stregackerstr. 6
CH-8404 Winterthur
+41 - 52 234 09 09
+41 - 52 235 09 19
Sugar and sweeteners
(agave syrup), cocoa,
vanilla
Rimuss-Kellerei
Rahm & Co.
Dickistr. 1
CH-8215 Hallau (SH)
+41 - 52-681 31 44
+41 - 52-681 40 14
Wine/juice
Bernhard Rothfos
Intercafe AG
Postfach 1357
Bahnhofstr. 22
CH-6301 Zug
+41 - 41-728 72 60
0+41 - 41-728 72 79
Coffee
Sanbro Produkte
CH-7417 Trans
+41 - 81-6301020
+41 - 81-6301021
Sea buckthorn
Schläppi & Co.
Stationsstr. 1
CH-3076 Worb 2
+41 - 31-839 22 05
+41 - 31-839 90 45
Dried fruits
Alex Schönenberger &
Co.
Konstanzerstr. 9
CH-9512 Rossrüti
+41 - 71-911 41 33
+41 - 71-911 41 35
Concentrates
s’Lotusblüemli
Sagmattstr. 7
CH-4710 Balsthal
+41 - 62-391 00 80
+41 - 62-391 00 80/02
Somona GmbH
Bodenackerstr. 51
CH-4657 Dulliken
+41 - 62-295 46 46
+41 - 62-2953259
Soyana
Walter Dänzer
Turmstr. 6
CH-8952 Schlieren
+41 - 1-731 12 00
+41 - 1-731 12 75
Vegan specialities
Stettler
Gewürzspezialitäten
Hauptstr. 13
CH-9562 Märwil
+41 - 71-655 15 34
+41 - 71-655 15 55
Spices/herbs
Molkerei Studer + Co.
Damalis AG
Triemenhof. Höhenstr. 111
CH-8340 Hinwil
+41 - 1-938 18 08
+41 - 1-938 18 08
Cheese
Dünner Dr. AG
Hausenstr. 35 – 37
CH-9533 Kirchberg
+41 - 71 932 61 11
+41 - 71 931 41 91
Medicinal products
Träubler Alois AG
Industriestrasse 28
CH-8304 Wallisellen
+41 - 1 877 60 60
+41 - 1 877 60 66
Coffee
91
Firm
Address
Telephone
Fax
Imported Products
Trawosa AG
Eisenbahnstr. 41
CH-9401 Rohrschach
+41 - 71-844 98 40
+41 - 71-844 98 49
Cereals, rice, beans,
dried, fruits + vegetables,
herbs, fruits concentrates
Unipektin AG
Bahnhofstr. 9
CH-8264 Eschenz
+41 - 52-742 31 31
+41 - 52-742 31 32
Concentrates
Vanadis AG
Staufferstr. 2
CH-5703 Seon
+41 - 62 769 00 33
+41 - 62 769 00 44
Varistor AG
Weststrasse 5
CH-5426 Lengnau
+41 - 56 266 50 60
+41 - 56 266 50 70
Processed vegetables,
dried fruit and nuts,
culinary and medicinal
herbs, tea
Via Verde
Brunnmatt
CH-6264 Pfaffnau
+41 - 62 - 747 07 47
+41 - 62 - 747 07 37
Fresh fruit, juices, vegetables, dried fruit and
nuts, sugar, honey, wine,
oil-seeds, cereals, cereal
products, culinary and
medicinal herbs
W. Kündig & Cie
Stampfenbachstr. 38
P.O. Box 6784
CH-8023 Zürich
+41 - 1 368 25 25
+41 - 1 362 84 14
Cereals and cereal
products, protein plants
Weber & Hermann
Zürcherstrasse
CH-8903 Birmensdorf
+41 - 1 737 03 50
+41 - 1 737 33 60
–/–
Weleda AG – Betrieb
Weiden
Stollenrain 11
CH-4144 Arlesheim
+41 - 61-705 21 21
+41 - 61-705 23 11
Medicinal products
Weinhandlung am
Küferweg AG
Küferweg 3
CH-8912 Obfelden
+41 - 1 761 33 33
+41 - 1 761 14 33
Wine
Chain
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
Migros
Genossenschafts-Bund
Limmatstrasse 152
CH-8005 Zürich
+41 - 1 - 277 2111
+41 - 1 - 277 2333/
277 2525
www.migros.ch
www.miosphere.com
Coop (Schweiz)
Thiersteinerallee 12
CH-4002 Basel
+41 - 61 - 336 6666
+41 - 61 - 336 7491
www.coop.ch
Bon appétit
Management AG
Industriestrasse 25
CH-8604 Volketswil
+41 - 1 - 947 14 14
+41 - 1 - 945 05 60
www.bon-appetit.ch
Manor AG
Hauptsitz
Rebgasse 34
CH-4058 Basel
+41 - 61 - 686 11 11
+41 - 61 - 681 11 92
www.manor.ch
Company
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
Gate Gourmet –
Zürich AG
Borddienststr.
CH-8058 ZürichFlughafen
+41 - 1 - 812 19 19
+41 - 1 - 812 91 92
www.gategourmet.ch
Supermarket Chains
Catering
92
Agricultural Associations
Agricultural Association
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
Demeter Schweiz
(association for biodynamic agriculture)
Stollenrainstr. 10 c
CH-4110 Arlesheim
+41 - 61 - 706 96 43
+41 - 61 - 706 96 44
info@demeter.ch
www.demeter.ch
BIO SUISSE
(ASOAO)
Margarethenstr. 87
CH-4053 Basel
+41 - 61 385 96 10
+41 - 61 385 96 11
bio@bio-suisse.ch
www.bio-suisse.ch
Bioterra
(Swiss association for
organic agriculture)
Dubsstrasse 33
CH-8003 Zürich
+41 - 1 - 463 55 14
+41 - 1 - 463 48 49
service@bioterra.ch
www.bioterra.ch
Advisory Body
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
FiBL
(Research Institute of
Organic Agriculture)
Ackerstrasse
Postfach
CH-5070 Frick
+ 41 - 62 - 865 72 72
+ 41 - 62 - 865 72 73
admin@fibl.ch
www.fibl.org
SIPPO – Swiss Import
Promotion Programme
Stampfenbachstr. 85
PO BOX 492
CH-8035 Zürich
+41 - 1 - 365 52 00
+41 - 1 - 365 52 02
info@sippo.ch
www.sippo.ch
Government Body
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
Swiss Federal Office for
Agriculture
Mattenhofstrasse 5
CH-3003 Bern
+41 - 31 - 322 25 11
+41 - 31 - 322 26 34
www.blw.admin.ch
Swiss Federal Office for
Public Health
Schwarzenburgstr. 165
CH-3097 Liebefeld
+41 - 31 - 322 21 11
+41 - 31 - 322 95 07
www.bag.admin.ch
Swiss Federal Customs
Administration
Oberzolldirektion
Monbijoustr. 40
CH-3003 Bern
+41 - 31 322 65 11
+41 - 31 322 78 72
www.zoll.admin.ch
Swiss Federal Statistical
Office
CH-3000 Bern
+41 - 31 323 60 11
+41 - 31 323 60 12
www.statistik.admin.ch
Advisory Bodies
Government Bodies
Label Programmes and Certification Bodies
Certification Body
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
IMO
Institut für Marktökologie
Weststr. 51
CH-8570 Weinfelden
+41 - 71 - 626 06 26
+41 - 71 - 626 06 23
office@imo.ch
www.imo.ch
bio.inspecta AG
Ackerstrasse
Postfach
CH-5070 Frick
+41 - 62 - 865 63 00
+41 - 62 - 865 63 01
admin@inspecta.ch
www.bio.inspecta.ch
SQS
Schweizerische Vereinigung für Qualitäts- und
Management-Systeme
Bernstr. 103
CH-3052 Zollikofen
+41 - 31 910 35 35
+41 - 31 910 35 45
headoffice@sqs.ch
www.sqs.ch
Bio Test Agro AG
Im Grüttstr. 10
CH-3475 Riedtwil
+41 - 62 - 968 19 77
+41 - 62 - 968 19 80
info@bio-test-agro.ch
www.bio-test-agro.ch
93
3. Austria
Wholesalers, Retailer
Firm
Organic Range
BILLA Supermarket
(belonging to REWE Group)
IZ NÖ Süd Str. 3 Obj. 16
AT-2355 Wr. Neudorf
Tel.: +43 2236 600 6930
Fax: +43 2236 600 7690
thomas.rogy@billa.co.at
www.billa.at
(department fruits and vegetables)
SPAR Supermarket Group
Taborstr. 95
AT-1200 Vienna
Tel.: +43 1 3300539 726
Fax: +43 1 3303322
harald.rauchegger@spar.co.at
www.spar.at
(department fruits and vegetables)
Importer
Firm
Organic Range
Johann Ischia & Co
Im- und Exportgesellschaft GmbH & Co
Amraserstr. 6
AT-6020 Innsbruck/Tirol
Tel.: +43 512 52015-0
Fax: +43 512 52015-15
Obst Huber Fruchtimport GESMBH
Neinergutstr. 28 –30
AT-4600 Wels
Tel.: +43 7242 404-0
Fax: +43 7242 404-147
Import Firms Specialized in Organic Products
Firm
Al Naturkost
Schulgasse 35
AT-2542 Kottingbrunn
Tel.: +43 2252 77218
Natürlich Weber
AT-3932 Kirchberg/Walde 52
Tel.: +43 2854 20417
Fax: +43 2854 631016
office@weber-austria.at
94
Organic Range
Organic Certification Bodies
ABG Austria Bio Garantie
Königbrunnerstr 8
AT-2202 Enzersfeld
Tel.: +43 2262 672212
Fax: +43 2262 674143
nw@abg.at
BIOS Biokontrollservice
Feyregg 39
AT-4552 Wartberg
Tel.: +43 7587 7177 14
Fax: +43 7587 7177 11
Lebensmittelversuchsanstalt
Blaasstr. 29
AT-1190 Vienna
Tel.: +43 1 3688555
Fax: +43 1 3688555 20
SGS Austria Controll & Co
Ges.m.b.H.
Johannesgasse 14
AT-1015 Vienna
Tel.: +43 1 5122567
Fax: +43 1 5122567 9
LACON
AT-4122 Arnreit 13
Tel.: +43 7282 7711
Fax: +43 7282 7711 4
Government bodies
AMA Marketing GmbH
Pasettistraße 64
AT-1200 Vienna
Tel.: +43 1 33 151 – 0
Fax: +43 1 33 151 – 499
QM-Programme@ama.gv.at
Bio Ernte Austria – Bundesbüro
Europaplatz 4
AT-4020 Linz
Tel.: +43 0 732 654 884
Fax: +43 0 732 654 884 – 40
bio@ernte.at
www.ernte.at
95
4. Denmark
Importers
96
Firm
Organic Range
Urtekram A/S
Klostermarken 20
DK-9550 Mariager
Tel.: +45-98 54 22 88
Fax: +45-98 54 23 33
urtekram@inet.uni2.dk
www.urtekram.dk
Dried fruit and nuts, herbs and spices, cereal
products (incl. breakfast cereals, biscuits, pasta,
rice), vegetable oils (incl. olive oil) and culinary
vinegars, tea, beans, lentils, sugar and other
sweeteners, wine, cosmetics
Unikost A/S
Over Hadstenvej 82
DK-8370 Hadsten
Tel.: +45-70 22 20 46
Fax: +45-86 98 00 48
jan@jan-import.dk
www.jan-import.dk
Dried fruit and nuts, pasta, rice, seeds, sugar,
grains and flour
Bio Trading A/S
Abenravej 9
Kiskelund
DK-6340 Kruså
Tel.: +45-70 23 15 15
Fax: +45-70 23 15 16
bio@bio-trading.com
www.biotrading.dk
Sugar, malt, starch, eggs and powdered egg,
seeds, dried fruit and nuts, cocoa and
chocolate, fats and vegetable oils, spices,
processed fruit (jams, marmalades and jellies)
U-landsimporten
Rolstrupbakken 6
DK-7900 Nykobing Mors
Tel.: +45-97 72 57 88
Fax: +45-97 72 53 54
u-landsimporten@vip.cybercity.dk
Coffee, tea and cocoa
Sunprojuice Denmark AS
Huginsvej 2-4
DK-4100 Ringsted
Tel.: +45-57 67 11 77
Fax: +45-57 67 1145
sunpro@post4.tele.dk
www.ecoweb.dk/sunprojuice
Processed fruits
Food and Beverage Manufacturers
Firm
Organic Range
Drabæks Mølle A/S
Ostparken 1-5
DK-6640 Lunderskov
Tel.: +45-75 58 52 66
Fax: +45-75 58 58 30
dml@post3.tele.dk
Cereal products
Nutana A/S
Ringstedvej 531
DK-4632 Bjaeveskov
Tel.: +45-56 86 96 00
Fax: +45-56 86 96 16
Svansø Food A/S
Ronnevej 24
DK-5580 Norre-Aaby
Tel.: +45-63 31 44 00
Fax: +45-63 31 41 17
svansoe@svansoe.com
Juices, spreads, baked beans, chilli beans,
deep-frozen ready-meals, deep-frozen
vegetables, muesli, rice, pasta, beans, seeds,
grains, flour and fruit
Jams and marmalades, pasta, olive oil,
deep-frozen fruits and vegetables
Schulstad Brød A/S
Hammerholmen 21-31
DK-2650 Hvidovre
Tel.: +45-36 39 71 00
Fax: +45-36 39 71 71
Bread and bakery products
Mølle Skovly
Lyngvej 21, Skringstrup
DK-8832 Skals
Tel.: +45-86 69 49 66
Fax: +45-86 69 50 86
info@molle-skovly.dk
www.molle-skovly.dk
Chocolate, natural confectionery
Natur Frisk Brewery Ltd.
Lillehoejvej 18
DK-8600 Silkeborg
Tel.: +45-86 80 37 67
Fax: +45-86 80 24 55
Fruit juices
Wholesalers and Mass-Market Retail Chains
FDB (COOP DENMARK)
Roskildevej 65
DK-2620 Albertslund
Tel.: +45-43 86 43 86; +45-43 86 48 11
Fax: +45-43 86 42 09; +45-43 86 33 86
fdb@fdb.dk
www.fdb.dk
IRMA A/S
Korsdalsvej 101
DK-2610 Rodovre
Tel.: +45-43 86 38 22
Fax: +45-43 86 38 09
Dansk Supermarked A/S
Bjodstrup 18
DK-8270 Hojbjerg
Tel.: +45-89 30 30 30
Fax: +45-86 27 65 63
DAGROFA A/S
Gammelager 11-13
DK-2605 Brondby
Tel.: +45-43 22 82 82
Fax: +45-43 22 84 04
MATAS A/S
Rormosevej 1
DK-3450 Allerod
Tel.: +45-48 16 55 55
Fax: +45-48 16 55 66
www.matas.dk/OKOLOGI.HTM
ISO SUPERMARKED
Vermlandsgade 51
DK-2300 Copenhagen S
Tel.: +45-31548411; +45-32 69 76 00
Fax: +45-31 54 3142; +45-32 69 76 01
iso@iso.dk
www.iso.dk
97
Government Bodies
The Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration
Mørkhøj Bygade 19
DK-2860 Søborg
Tel.: +45-33 95 60 00
Fax: +45-33 95 60 01
foedevaredirektoratet@fvd.dk
www.foedevaredirektoratet.dk
The Plant Directorate
Skovbrynet 20
DK-2800 Lyngby
Tel.: +45-45 26 36 00
Fax: +45-45 26 36 10
pdir@pdir.dk
www.plantedir.dk
Danish Import Promotion Office for Products
from Developing Countries (DIPO)
Danish Chamber of Commerce Borsen
DK-1217 Copenhagen K
Tel.: +45-33 95 05 00
Fax: +45-3120525
The Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture
and Fisheries, Department Organic Farming
Holbergsgade 2
Tel.: +45-33 92 33 01
Fax: +45-33 14 50 42
fvm@fvm.dk
www.fvm.dk
Demeterforbundet (The Demeter Association)
Birkum Bygade 20
DK-5220 Odense SO
Tel.: +45-65 97 30 50
Fax: +45-65 97 30 50
Det Okologiske Fodevaredd
(The Organic Food Council),
Strukturdirektoratet
Udvikiingskontoret
Toldbodgade 29
DK-1253 Kobenhavn K
Tel.: +45-33 63 73 00
Fax: +45-33 63 73 33
Infood
Langballevaenget 102
DK-8320 Marslet
Tel.: +45-86 12 86 38
Fax: +45-86 12 86 37
infood@post8.tele.dk
www.ecoweb.dkfinfood
Landsforeningen Okologisk
Jordbrug (LOJ)
(The Danish Association for Organic Farming)
Okologiens Hus
Frederiksgade 72
DK-8000 Arhus C
Tel.: +45-87 32 27 00
Fax: +45-87 32 27 10
ecojord@ecoweb.dk
www.ecoweb.dk/oekoland
98
Max Havelaar Fonderen
c/o Folkekirkens Nodhjaelp
Norregade 13
Tel.: +45-33 11 13 45
Fax: +45-33 11 13 47
maxhavelaar@dk
www.maxhavelaar.dk
Ogruppen – Dansk,
Okologileverandorforening
Udgarden 30
Lading
DK-8471 Sabro
Tel.: +45 86 12 77 66
Fax: +45 86 12 77 41
gruppen@ecoweb.dk
www.ecoweb.dk/gruppen/
Okologisk Landscenter (OLC),
(The Danish Organic Service Centre)
Okologiens Hus
Frederiksgade 72
DK-8000 Arhus C
Tel.: +45-87 32 27 00
Fax: +45-87 32 27 10
ecoinfo@ecoweb.dk
www.ecoweb.dk/ecoinfo
5. France
Importers
Firm
Organic Range
Arcadie SA
1115 route d’Uzès
FR-30100 Alès
Tel.. +33-4 66 56 99 33
Fax: +33-4 66 30 62 611
Spices, fresh and dried culinary herbs, dried
vegetables, herbal teas
Bioprim
530 Av. de Milan
ZI du Grand Saint Charles
FR-66000 Perpignan
Tel.: +33-4 68 54 79 79
Fax: +33-4 68 54 57 68
contact@bioprim.com
Fruit and vegetables
Dynamis France
54 avenue de la Vilette
FR-94637 Rungis Cedex
Tel.: +33-145 60 43 44
Fax: +33-146 87 44 05
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Euro Breizh
8 rue des Martyrs
FR-29270 Carhaix-Plouguer
Tel.: +33-2 98 99 25 20
Fax: +33-2 98 99 25 21
Cereals and leguminous vegetables
Exodom
28, rue Jules Carteret
FR-69007 Lyon
Tel.: +33-4 37 28 73 50
Fax: +33-4 37 28 73 54
www.exodom.fr
Exotic fruit and vegetables, fruit juices, dried fruit,
cocoa and coffee
Fimex
10 rue du Perche
FR-75003 Paris
Tel.: +33-148 04 54 07
Fax: +33-142 7183 84
Tea
IMAGO
Marché St. Charles BP 5129
FR-66031 Perpignan
Tel.: +33-4 68 68 40 40
Fax: +33-4 48 68 40 48
Fruits and vegetables
JK Nature
(ZI La Saussaye)
124 rue du Rond d'Eau
FR-45590 Orléans
Tel.: +33-2 38 25 00 70
Fax. +33-2 38 25 00 702
Les Rois Mages
210 rue Louis Arnaud
FR-13794 Aix-en-Provence
Cedex 3
Tel.: +33-4 42 24 42 57
Fax: +33-4 42 24 36 62
Tea and coffee
Pimpexport
103 boulevard Mac Donald
FR-75019 Paris
Tel.: +33-145 9105 88
Fax: +33-145 9105 78
Teas, culinary herbs, herbal tea plants, plant
extracts, spices
99
Firm
Organic Range
Pronatura
MIN 68
FR-84953 Cavaillon Cedex
Tel.: +33-4 90 78 73 04
Fax: +33-4 90 78 73 14
Fruits and vegetables esp. citrus fruits, dried fruit
René Devalance
Domaine de Choisel
FR-51120 Queudes
Tel.: +33-3 26 80 53 85
Fax: +33-3 26 81 35 02
Cereals, flour, vegetable oils, dried leguminous
vegetables, oil-seeds, oil-seed and vegetable
protein products, salts, semolina, rice, canned
foods
Sté Arcada France
Domaine du Blazy
FR-47130 Port-Sainte-Made
Tel.: +33-5 53 87 20 24
Fax. +33-5 53 87 26 18
arcada@ins.France.com
Processors and Packers
100
Firm
Organic Range
BIO Planète Sarl
Route de Limoux
FR-11150 Bram
Tel.: +33-4 68 76 70 60
Fax: +33-4 68 76 70 69
info@bioplanete.com
www.bioplanete.com
Culinary oils
Celnat
ZI de Blavozy
FR-43700 Saint-Germain-Laprade
Tel.: +33-4 71 03 04 14
Fax: +33-4 71 03 54 31
Cereals, cereal products, tea
Distriborg France
217 chemin du Grand Revoyet
FR-69230 St-Genis-Laval
Lyon
Tel.: +33-4 72 67 10 20
Fax: +33-4 72 67 10 57
Extensive range
Florame
34 boulevard Mirabeau
FR-13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Tel.: +33-4 90 92 48 70
Fax: +33-4 90 92 48 80
Oils
Le Goût de la Vie s. a.
83 boulevard Montparnasse
FR-75006 Paris
Tel.: +33-1 53 63 24 70
Fax: +33-1 53 63 24 71
vscherrer@legoutdelavie.com
www.legoutdelavie.com
Dried products and dairy products
Markal
ZA Les Plaines
FR-26320 St-Marcel-lès-Valence
Tel.: +33-4 75 58 72 20
Fax: +33-4 75 58 90 30
Cereals, cereal products, rice, grains,
leguminous vegetables
Nutrition et Soja-Soy
Chemin de I’Horte
FR-31250 Revel
Tel.: +33-5 62 18 72 50
Fax: +33-5 62 18 72 51
Soya products
Firm
Biosortiment
Sté Bio d’Armor
La Croix Rouge
Ergué – Gabéric
FR-29556 Quimper Cedex 9
Tel.: +33-2 98 59 58 00
Fax: +33-2 98 59 69 99
Fresh products and dried products
Blédina SA
BP 432
FR-69654 Villefranche-sur-Saône
Cedex
Tel.: +33-4 74 62 63 64
Fax: +33-4 74 62 61 96
Spices, bakery products, pasta, rice, biscuits,
ready-to-serve meals, sauces, juices, herbal teas,
coffee, breakfast foods, flour
Sté Bonneterre (Group Distriborg)
1 place des Planteurs
FR-94538 Rungis Cedex
Tel.: +33-1 49 78 25 00
Fax: +33-1 46 87 91 68
Dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables,
cereals, vegetable oils, flour, jams and
marmalades, dried fruit
Retail
Supermarket Chains
Organic Range
Carrefour
BP 75
Zae de Saint Guiénault
1 rue Jean Mermoz
FR-91002 Evry Cedex
Tel.: +33-160 91 37 37
Fax: +33-160 79 44 98
www.carrefour.fr
Fruit, vegetables, milk, dried products
Auchan
Centrale d'achats
200 rue de la Recherche
FR-59656 Villeneuve-d'Ascq Cedex
Tel.: +33-3 28 37 67 00
Fax: +33-3 20 67 55 20
pfrisch@auchan.com
www.auchan.com
Meat, bread, milk, convenience foods
Monoprix
3 rue Paul Cezanne
FR-75008 Paris
Tel.: +33-140 75 11 16
Fax: +33-140 75 11 16
Milk, dried products
Health Food and Organic Stores
Organic Range
La Vie Claire
(Group Distriborg – 120 shops)
35 avenue du 1er mai
FR-91127 Palaiseau Cedex
Tel.: +33-164 53 83 00
Fax: +33-1 64 53 83 01
Complete range carried in small retail outlets
Biocoop
22 cours Gambetta
FR-65000 Tarbes
Tel.: +33-5 62 34 10 37
Fax: +33-5 62 34 11 69
Complete range carried in small retail outlets
(180 branches)
101
Food Processors
Firm
Organic Range
Distriborg France
217 chemin du Grand Revoyet
FR-69230 St-Genis-Laval
Lyon
Tel.: +33-4 72 67 10 20
Fax: +33-4 72 67 10 57
Complete range under the Distriborg brand
Le Gout de la Vie
83 boulevard Montparnasse
FR-75006 Paris
Tel.: +33-1 53 63 24 70
Fax: +33-1 53 63 24 71
vscherrer@legoutdelavie.com
www.legoutdelavie.com
Fresh products, bread, dried and deep-frozen
products
Government Bodies
• Ministère de I’agriculture, de la
pêche et de I’alimentation
(Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food)
30 rue Las Cases
FR-75340 Paris Cedex 07
Tel.: +33-149 55 56 63
Fax: +33-149 55 56 01
• Ministère de I’économie, des finances
et de l’industrie
rue de Beroy
Télédoc 151
FR-75572 Paris Cedex 12
Tel.: +33-1 40 04 04 04
Fax: +33-1 53 18 36 40
• Direction générale de l’alimentation
Bureau des labels et des certifications
de produits
175 rue du Chevaleret
FR-75013 Paris
Tel.: +33-1 45 84 13 13
• Ministère de l’Agriculture et de la Pêche
3, rue Barbet de Jouy
FR-75349 Paris 07 SP
Tel.: +33-1 49 55 81 01
Fax: +33-1 49 55 57 85
info@agriculture.gouv.fr
www.agriculturebio.com
• AFAQ-ASCERT International
116 avenue Adstride Briand
BP 83
FR-92225 Bagneaux Cedex
Tel.: +33-1 46 15 70 60
Fax: +33-1 46 15 70 69
• QNPC
(Qualité Nord-Pas-de-Calais)
241 avenue de la République
FR-59110 La Madeleine
Tel.: +33-3 28 38 94 84
Fax: +33-3 28 38 90 87
• COFRAC
37 rue de Lyon
FR-75012 Paris
Tel.: +33-1 44 68 82 58
Fax: +33-1 44 68 82 48
• Qualité France
18, rue Volney
FR-75002 Paris
Tel.: +33-1 42 61 58 23
Fax: +33-1 42 60 51 61
• ECOCERT S.A.
BP 47
FR-32600 L’Isle-Jourdain
Tel.: +33-5 62 07 34 24
Fax: +33-5 62 07 1167
ecocert@compuserve.com
www.ecocert.fr
102
6. Germany
Traders, Importers, Packers, Processors and Wholesalers
Firm
Organic Range
Rapunzel Naturkost AG
Haldergasse 9
DE-87764 Legau
Tel.: +49-8330 910 124
Fax: +49-8330 910 188
project@rapunzel.de
Nuts and nut-based spreads, dried fruits, cereals
and cereal products, sugar, cocoa, chocolate,
pasta, tomato products, vegetable oils and fats,
biscuits, coffee, vanilla, ice cream and deepfrozen products
Dennree Versorgungs GmbH
Hofer Str.11
DE-95183 Topen
Tel.: +49-9295 180
Fax: +49-9295 18-101
zentrale@dennree.de
Full range; incl. dairy products, fresh fruit and
vegetables
Delvena Lebensmittelkontor GmbH
Linnicher Strasse 48
DE-50933 Köln
Tel.: +49-221 498 0491
Fax: +49-221498 0399
Dried products, dairy products
Alnatura Produktions- und Handels GmbH
Darmstädter Strasse 3
DE-64404 Bickenbach
Tel.: +49-257 93 220
Fax: +49-6257 932 244
Alnatura@t-online.de
Dried products
Auris Naturkost Vertriebs GmbH
Parallelweg 12
DE-28219 Bremen
Tel.: +49-421 382 041
Extensive range
Rila Feinkost-Importe
Hinterm Teich 5
DE-32351 Sternwede-Levern
Tel.: +49-5745 9450
Fax: +49-5745 945 139
Extensive range
Lehmann Natur GmbH
Am Churkamp 20
DE-47059 Duisburg
Tel.: +49-203 932 55 11
Fax: +49-203 932 55 99
Lehmann-Natur@t-online.de
Fruits, vegetables
Naturkost Schramm
Ludwig-Winter-Str 6
DE-77767 Appenweier
Tel.: +49-7805-96680
Fax: +49-7805-966880
team@naturkost-schramm.de
Extensive range
Landlinie Lebensmittel-Vertrieb GmbH & CO KG
An der Hasenkaule 24
DE-50354 Hürth-Kalscheuren
Tel.: +49-2233 974510
Fax: +49-2233 9745199
Fresh products
Ernst Weber Naturkost
Kontorhaus 1
Büro 522-524a
DE-81371 München
Tel.: +49-89 746 3420
Fax: +49-89 746 34222
weberNK@t-online.de
Dates, seeds, tea, juices, other products
103
Firm
Organic Range
Hipp-Werk
Münchener Str. 58
DE-85276 Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm
Tel.: +49-8441 757 481
Fax: +49-8441 757 492
Jars of organic purée, baby food, fresh produce
(carrots, potatoes, onions, apples, lemons,
oranges and kiwi fruit)
Care Naturkost GmbH & CO KG
Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 30
DE-28876 Oyten
Tel.: +49-4207 914 444
Fax: +49-4207 7185
Grains, seeds, dried fruit, nuts
Grüner Punkt Naturkost GmbH
Schwanenkirchnerstr. 28
DE-94491 Hengersberg
Tel.: +49-9901 1842
Fax: +49-9901 1875
streit@bayemwald.com
Processed fruits
Georg Rösner Vertriebs GmbH
Regensburger Str. 32
DE-94315 Straubing
Tel.: +49-9421 23619
Fax: +49-9421 81736
Nuts, seeds, cereal flakes, dried fruit
Übelhör KG
Friesenhofen-Bahnhof 23-25
DE-88297 Leutkirch
Tel.: +49-7567 820
Fax: +49-7567 834
uebelhoer@t-online.de
Cereals, leguminous vegetables, nuts, dried fruit,
sweeteners
Gepa GmbH
Bruch 4
DE-42279 Wuppertal
Tel.: +49-202 266 830
Fax: +49-202 266 8310
Coffee, tea, honey, chocolate, nuts, rice, further
products
Mühldorfer Naturkornmühle GmbH (Prima Vera)
Mühlenstrasse 15
DE-84453 Mühldorf
Tel.: +49-863 137 730
Fax: +49-863 137 7349
info@prima-vera.de
Cereals, rice, millet, sugar, oil-seeds, nuts,
further products
Byodo Naturkost GmbH
Edisonstrasse 3
DE-84453 Mühldorf
Tel.: +49-8631 36290
Fax: +49-8631 36258
byodo-naturkostgmbh@t-online.de
Culinary oils and other products
Bios
Gabriell Rempe GmbH
Grossmarkt Frischzentrum
DE-59010 Hamm
Tel.: +49-2381-54 32 50
Fax: +49-2381-54 32 540
www.bios-hamm.de
fruits and vegetables for catering company
Food Producers
104
Firm
Organic Range
Hipp-Werk
Münchener Str. 58
DE-85276 Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm
Tel.: +49-8441 757 481
Fax: +49-8441 757 492
Jars of organic purée, baby food, fresh produce
(carrots, potatoes, onions, apples, lemons,
oranges and kiwi fruit)
Firm
Organic Range
Alete
Tel.: +49-800 23 44 944
www.alete.de
Prepared jars of organic food
Milupa GmbH & Co KG
Bahnstraße 14–30
DE-61 381 Friedrichsdorf
Tel.: +49-06172 - 99 0
www.milupa.de
Prepared jars of organic food
Döhler GmbH
Riedstrasse 7–9
DE-64295 Darmstadt
Tel.: +49-61513060
Fax: +49-6151 306278
michael.nocker@doehler.com
Mainly fruit-based raw materials for food
production
Kanne Brottrunk GmbH & Co. KG
DE-Bahnhofstr. 68
59379 Selm-Bork
Tel.: +49-2592-97400
“Brottrunk”, a health drink made of fermented
bread
Neumarkter Lammsbräu
DE-92318 Neumark
Ambergerstr. 1
Tel.: +49 (91 81) 4 040
Beer, soft drinks
Beutelsbacher Fruchtsartkelterei GmbH
Stuttgarterstr. 57– 59
DE-71365 Weinstadt
Tel.: +49-7151 9951 50
Juices
Lebensbaum Ulrich Walter GmbH
Postfach 1269
DE-49342 Diepholz
Tel.: +49-5441 98560
Fax: +49-5441 985 6101
info@lebensbaum.de
Coffee, tea, spices, herbs
Davert Mühle
Ascheberger Str. 2
DE-48308 Senden
Tel.: +49-2598 690
Fax: +49-2598 6923
Cereal products, oils, pasta, rice
Allos Walter Lang Imkerhof GmbH
Zum Streek 5
DE-49457 Mariendrebber
Tel.: +49-5445 9899-0
Fax: +49-5445 9899-14
info@allos.de
www.allos.de
Cereals, processed fruits, amaranth products,
cakes, honey
Bruno Fischer GmbH, Naturkost
DE-56242 Marienrachdorf
Turmstr. 29
Tel.: +49 (26 26) 75 73 40
Fax: +49 (26 26) 75 73-9 40
Vegetarian products: soya milk, vegetal burgers,
vegetal sausage, soups
Bauck Demeter Naturkost
Duhenweitz 4
DE-29571 Rosche
info@bauckhof.de
www.bauckhof.de
Cereals, coffee, culinary oils, spreads,
specialized in bio-dynamic products
Barnhouse Naturprodukte GmbH
DE-84453 Mühldorf
Edisonstr. 3a
Tel.: +49 8631 36220
Fax: +49 8631 3622-20
Breakfast cereal products
105
Natural Food Stores and Organic Supermarkets
Firm
Organic Range
Münsterländische Margarine-Werke J. Lülf GmbH
Postfach 1229
DE-48720 Rosendahl
Tel.: +49-254 7700
Fax: +49-254 77030
ma@min.de
Margarine, oils, fats
Alnatura
Darmstädter Strasse 3
DE-64404 Bickenbach
Tel.: +49 6257 93220
Fax: +49 6257 9322 144
info@alnatura.de
www.alnatura.de
6800 organic products, incl. fresh products,
non-food items such as clothing, natural
cosmetics, toys (organic supermarket)
106
Firm
Organic Range
REWE AG
Domstr. 20
DE-50668 Köln
Tel.: +49-221 1490
Fax: +49-221 149 9000
Dried products, deep-frozen products (organic
ice cream, organic vegetables), apples, tropical
fruits, storable vegetables, growing herbs, milk
and dairy products, beef
Edeka Zentrale AG
New-York-Ring 6
DE-22297 Hamburg
Tel.: +49-40 63770
Fax: +49-40 63772231
Own organic range: Dairy products, dried
products
METRO AG
Postfach 230351
DE-40235 Düsseldorf
Tel.: +49-21168 860
Fax: +49-211962 5271
Dried products (cereals, cereal flakes, muesli,
seeds, pasta, biscuits, vinegar, oils), storable
vegetables (onions, carrots, potatoes)
Tengelmann Handelswarengesellschaft
Postfach 1020
DE-45466 Mühleim a/R
Tel.: +49-208 5806
Fax: +49-208 6763
www.tengelmann.de
Dairy products, range of dried foods
TEGUT Zentrale
Gerloserweg 72
DE-36039 Fulda
Tel.: +49-661 10 40
Fax: +49-661 104 496
gutelebensmittel@tegut.com
Extensive range of breads and bakery products,
fresh and processed meats, fruit and vegetables,
dairy products. Emphasis on fresh foods
Government Bodies
LÖK – Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft zur
Verordnung EWG 2092/01 (German working
group of organic control authorities)
c/o Landesanstalt für Ernährungswirtschaft
und Jagd
Tannenstr. 24 b
Postfach 300651
DE-40406 Düsseldorf
Tel.: +49-211-4586-631
Fax: +49-211-4586-501
www.lej.nrw.de
Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und
Ernährung (BLE)
Referat 512/Sachgebiet Ökologischer Landbau
Ferdinand-Lassalle-Str. 1– 5
DE-53168 Bonn
Tel.: +49 228 6845-2914
Fax: +49 228 6845-787
sachgebiet-oekolandbau@ble.de
www.ble.de
ZMP – Zentrale Markt- und Preisberichtstelle
GmbH (Market and price reporting centre)
Rochusstrasse 2
DE-53123 Bonn
Tel.: +49-228 977 7173
Fax: +49-228 977 7179
info@zmp.de
www.zmp.de
Producer Organizations
ArbeitsGemeinschaft Ökologischer Landbau
(AGÖL, Association of Organic Farming
Organizations in Germany)
Brandschneise 1
DE-64295 Darmstadt, Deutschland
Telephone: +49 - 61 55 - 20 81
Fax: +49 - 61 55 - 20 83
AGOEL@T-online.de
Naturland-Verband für naturgemässen
Landbau e.V.
Kleinhaderner Weg 1
DE-82166 Gräfelfing
Tel.: +49-89 854 5071
Fax: +49-89 855 974
naturland@naturland.de
www.naturiand.de
Bioland Bundesverband
Kaiserstr. 18
DE-55116 Mainz
Tel.: +49-6131239 790
Fax: +49-6131 238 7927
biolandbv@compuserve.com
Bundesverband der Produzenten
Ökologischer Produkte
Robert-Bosch-Str. 6
DE-50354 Hürth
Tel.: +49-2233 9633833
Fax. +49-2233 9633830
Demeter Bund e.V.
Brandschneise 2
DE-64295 Darmstadt
Tel.: +49-6155 84690
Fax: +49-6155 846911
demeterbd@aol.com
Retail and Other Organizations
Bundesverband Naturkost Naturwaren
(BNN, German Association for Natural Food
and Products)
Robert-Bosch-Str 6
DE-50354 Hürth
Tel.: +49-2233 963 3847
Fax: +49-2233 963 3810
bnn-eh.hoeschIer@t-online.de
Fair Trade eV
Bruch 4
DE-42279 Wuppertal
Tel.: +49-202 648 9232
Fax: +49-202 648 9235
info@fairtrade.de
www.fairtrade.de
Green Trade Net
Tel.: +49-69 811 228
Fax: +49-69 824 684
info@green-tradenet.de
www.green-tradenet.de
ÖkoWelt Veranstaltungs GmbH
Industriestrasse 12
DE-91186 Büchenbach
Tel.: +49-09171-9610-0
Tax: +49-09171 - 4016
info@biofach.de
www.biofach.de
Central Internet portal on organic agriculture
(only in German)
www.oekolandbau.de
GTZ
Dag-Hammarskjöldweg 1– 5
DE-65760 Eschborn
Tel.: +49-6196 790
Fax: +49-6196 791115
www.gtz.de
107
Stiftung Ökologie und Landbau (SÖL)
Weinstr. Süd 51
DE-67098 Bad Dürkheim
Tel.: +49-6322 9897 00
Fax: +49-6322 9897 01
info@soel.de
www.soel.de
Verlag Gesund Essen GmbH
Am Eichwald 24
DE-64850 Schaafheim
Tel.: +49-6073 748 251
Fax: +49-6073 748 299
naturkost@aol.com
www.naturkost.de
TransFair Germany
Remigiusstr. 21
DE-50937 Köln
Tel.: +49-221942 0400
Fax: +49-221942 04040
info@transfair.org
www.transfair.org
ALOG eV (data bank of GMO-free products)
Tel.: +49-6322 8666
Fax: +49-6322 8794
www.infoxgen.com
BCS ÖkoGarantie GmbH
Cimbemstr. 21
DE-90402 Nürnberg
Tel.: +49-911 42439-0
Fax: +49-911 492 239
info@bcs-oeko.de
www.bcs-oeko.de
Ecocontrol Ecocert GmbH
Förster Str. 87D
DE-37520 Osterode
Tel.: +49-5522 951 161
Fax: +49-5522 951 164
info@ecocert.de
GfR Geselischaft fur Ressourcenschutz
Prinzenstr. 4
DE-37073 Goffingen
Tel.: +49-551 586 57
Fax: +49-551 587 74
info@gfrs.de
www.gfrs.de
ÖPZ GmbH
Godesberger Allee 125 –127
DE-53175 Bonn
Tel.: +49 (0) 228 53689-0
Fax: +49 (0) 228 53689-29
info@bio-siegel.de
www.bio-siegel.de
List of approved inspection bodies
www.verbraucherministerium.de/landwirtschaft/oekologlandbau/kontrollstellenverz.pdf
108
7. Italy
Wholesalers, Retailer
Firm
Organic Range
Adria Fruit
Piazza Rossetti 2/8
IT-16129 Genova
Tel.: +39 010 576 72 29
Fax: +39 010 576 72 49
info@adriafruit.it
Bananas, grapes, plums, cherrier, pineapples,
kiwis, pears, oranges, grapefruite, dried fruits,
apples, peaches, lemons, mangoes, tomatoes,
artichoke, celery, cabboge, péppers, green
salads, courgette, french beans
Billa Italia SRL
Via Postumia 15
IT-35010 Carmignano di Brenta (PD)
Tel.: +39 049 942 34 44
Fax: +39 049 943 02 44
www.billa.it
Broad range of food and beverages
Bottega e Natura
Via Crea, 10
IT-10095 Grugliasco (TO)
Tel.: +39 011 777 08948
info@bottegaenatura.com
www.bottegaenatura.com
Broad range of food products
BRIO SPA
Via Manzoni 99
IT-37050 Campagnola di Zevio (VR)
Tel.: +39 045 895 17 77
Fax: +39 045 873 17 44
brio@briospa.com
www.briospa.com
Fruits and vegetables, pasta,
milk and by-products, wine
Conad-Consorzio Nazionale
Dettaglianti Scarl
Via Michelino 59
IT-40127 Bologna (BO)
Tel.: +39 051 508 111
Fax: +39 051 508 247, +39 051 508 414
olg@conad.it
www.conad.it
Extensive range, e.g.
olive oil, pasta, coffee, fruit juices, fresh fruits
COOP Italia SCRL
Via del Lavoro 6–8
IT-40033 Caslecchio di Reno (BO)
Tel.: +39 051 596 111
Fax: +39 051 596 304, +39 051 596 218
www.e-coop.it
Nuts, dried and fresh fruits and vegetables
DESPAR Italia SCRL
Via Caldera 21
IT-20153 Milano (MI)
Tel.: +39 02 409 091
Fax: +39 02 409 18 177
www.edespar.it
Extensive range, incl. fresh fruits
and vegetables
Ecor SPA
Via Palù, 23
Loc Zoppé
IT-31020 San Vendemiano (TV)
Tel.: +39 0438 7704
Fax: +39 0438 770447
info@ecor.it
www.ecor.it
Cereals and its products, milk and
by-products, meat, eggs, fruits, honey,
oil, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Esselunga
Via Giambologna 1
IT-20090 Limito (MI)
Tel.: +39 02 92 367
Fax: +39 02 926 72 02
www.esselunga.it
Fruits and vegetables, beverages, pasta
109
110
Firm
Organic Range
Finiper
Via Mameli 19
IT-27054 Montebello Della Battaglia (PV)
Tel.: +39 0383 894 511
Fax: +39 0383 592 257
Cereals and it’s products, meat, fruits
and vegetables, beverages
Grandi Magazzini e
Supermercati il Gigante SPA
Via Clerici 342
IT-20091 Bresso (MI)
Tel.: +39 02 240 42 51
Fax: +39 02 26 22 43 02
Cereals, meat, fruits and vegetables,
beverages
GS SPA – Carrefour
Via Caldera 21
IT-20153 Milano (MI)
Tel.: +39 02 48 251
Fax: +39 02 482 02 325
www.carrefour.com
Cereals and it’s products, fruits
and vegetables, beverages
KI-GROUP
Via Marchesi 9
IT-10039 Collegno
Tel.: +39 011 7176700
Fax: +39 011 725983
kigroup@kigroup.com
www.kigroup.com
Cereals and it’s products, meat, fruits
and vegetables, fruit juices, tea
Naturasì SRL
Via Mura S. Bernardino, 1
IT-37123 Verona (VR)
Tel.: +39 045 8030021
Fax: +39 045 8031371
naturasi@naturasi.com
www.naturasi.com
Cereals, fruits and vegetables, beverages
Group PAM
Via delle Industrie 8
IT-30038 Spinea (VE)
Tel.: +39 041 549 51 11
Fax: +39 041 999 393
www.gruppopam.it
A big company with a supermarket chain,
restaurants, travel agency, travel retail and hard
discount
Rinascente/Gruppo Auchan
Strada 8, Palazzo N-Milanofiori
IT-20089 Rozzano (MI)
Tel.: +39 02 575 81
Fax: +39 57 58 31 80
www.grupporinascente.it
World wide hyper- and supermarkets
Veritas Biofrutta SPA
Via Provinciale 142
IT-44034 Gradizza di capparo
Tel.: +39 532 87 38 11
Fax: +39 532 830 332
verybio@verybio.it
Cereals and products, meat, fruits, sweeteners,
oil, condiments, beverages
Processors and Importer
Firm
Organic Range
Abafoods SRL
Via Ca’ Mignola vecchia 1775
IT-45021 Badia Polesine RO
Tel.: +39 0425 594489
Fax: +39 0425 594496
abafoods@libero.it
www.abafoods.it
www.isolabio.it
Concentrated juices, beverages
Apofruits Scarl
Via Ravennate 1345
IT-47023 Cesena (FO)
Tel.: +39 0547 643111
Fax: +39 0547 643166
info@apofruit.it
www.apofruit.it
Baule Volante SRL
Via E. Matti, 48/11 H
IT-40138 Bologna
Tel.: +39 051 6008411
Fax: +39 051 538869
baule@baulevolante.it
www.baulevolante.it
Cereals, flours, pasta, soy, milk and by-products,
fruits, vegetables, jucies, beverages, condiments
Besana SPA
Via Ferrovia 206
IT-80040 San Gennaro Vesuviano (NA)
Tel.: +39 081 86 59 111
Fax: +39 081 865 76 51
www.vbesana.it
(only nuts and dried fruits)
Cotrapo Scarl
Via Trento 778-2
IT-45024 Fiesso Umbertiano RO
Tel.: +39 0425 740274
Fax: +39 0425 741322
cotrapo@cotrapo.it
www.cotrapo.it
Fruit-puree, tomato-puree, tomato-juice
Confruit GSPA
Via Emilia Ponente 4
IT-48018 Faenza RA
Tel.: +39 0546 623411
Fax: +39 0546 621548
info@confruitg.it
www.confruitg.it
Juices and preserves, oil, beverages,
miscellaneous
Hans Zipperle SRL
Via M. Valier 3
IT-39012 Merano BZ
Tel.: +39 0473 274100
Fax: +39 0473 274222
www.zipperle.it
Juices and preserves, beverages
HERO Italia SPA
Via E. Fermi 6
IT-37135 Verona
Tel.: +39 045 8097111
Fax: +39 045 8097200
www.hero.it
Jams, fruit confitures, pre-cooked vegetable
products
111
Firm
Organic Range
Organicsur
Via Andrea Costa, 112/2
IT-40067 Rastignano (BO)
Tel.: +39 051 6260361
Fax: +49 051 6265252
francodepanfilis@organisur.it
www.organicsur.it
Fruit and vegetables, baked products,
sweeteners, oil, beverages
Sweet
Via Duchessa Isabella 6
IT-10011 Agliè (TO)
Tel.: +39 0124 429 011
Fax: +39 0124 429 928
sweet@rivarolo.alpcom.it
nuts and dried fruits
Certification Bodies and Organizations
of the Organic Sector
AIAB
Certification body
Strada Maggiore, 29
IT-40125 Bologna
Tel.: +39 051 272986
Fax: +39 051 232011
aiab@aiab.it
www.aiab.it
ASS SUOLO E SALUTE
Certification body
Via Abbazia, 17
IT-61032 Fano (PS)
Tel.: +39 0721 830373
Fax: +39 (0)721 830373
suoloesa@tin.it
www.suoloesalute.it
BIOAGRICOOP
Certification body
Via Fucini 10
IT-40033 Casalecchiodi Reno (BO)
Tel.: +39 051 6130512
Fax: +39 (0)51 6130224
bioagri@mail.asianet.it
www.bioagricoop.it
112
GRAB-IT
Organic Research,
Market research
c/o DIBIAGA-University of Ancona
Via Brecce Bianche
IT-60125 Ancona (IT)
Tel.: +39 071 2204929
Fax: +39 071 2204858
grabit@agrecon.unian.it
FIAO
Umbrella body grouping
most certification bodies
Via Barozzi, 8
IT-40126 Bologna
Tel.: +39 051 254688
Fax: +39 051 254842
fiao@greenplanet.net
Name
Address
Tel.
Fax
E-mail/Homepage
Accreditation
ICEA, Istituto di
certificazione etica
e ambientale
Strada Maggiore, 29
IT-40152 Bologna
+39 051 272986
+39 051 232 011
icea@icea.info
www.icea.info
EN 45011, IFOAM,
NOP, JAS
Bioagricert
Via dei Macabraccia 8
IT-40033 Casalecchio di
Reno (BO)
+39 051 562158
+39 051 564294
info@bioagricert.org
www.bioagricert.org/
EN 45011, IFOAM,
NOP, JAS
CCPB, Consorzio
per il Controllo dei
Proddotti Biologici
Soc. Coop. Arl
Via Jacopo Barozzi, 8
IT-40126 Bologna (BO)
+39 051 6089811
+39 051 254842
ccpb@ccpb.it
www.ccpb.it/uK/
index.html
EN 45011
Ecocert Italia
Corso delle Provincie, 60
IT-95127 Catania (CT)
+39 095 442746433071
+39 095 505094
info.ecocert@
ecocertitalia.it
www.ecocertitalia.it
MiPAF
Istituto Mediterraneo
di Certificazione
Via C. Pisacane, 53
IT-60019 Senigallia (AN)
+39 071 7928725
+39 071 7910043
imcert@imcert.it
www.imcert.it
EN 45011
Associazione Suolo
e Salute
Via Abbazia, 17
IT-61032 Fano (PS)
+39 0721 830373
+39 0721 830373
info@suoloesalute.it
www.suoloesalute.it
EN 45011, NOP
Codex s.r.l.
Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 41
IT-95046 Scordia (CT)
+39 095 650643- 716
+39 095 650356
codex@codexsrl.it
www.codexsrl.it
EN 45011, IFOAM
QC&I International
Services
Villa Parigini Loc. Basciano
IT-53035 Monteriggioni (SI)
+39 0577 327234
+39 0577 329907
lettera@qci.it
www.qci.it
EN 45011
Bios
Via Monte Grappa, 7
IT-36063 Marostica (VI)
+39 0424 471125
+39 0424 476947
info@certbios.it
www.certbios.it
EN 45011
Eco System International
Certificazioni S.r.l.
Via Monte
San Michele, 49
IT-73100 Lecce (LE)
+39 0832 311589
+39 0832 311589
info@ecosystem-srl.it
www.ecosystem-srl.it/
MiPAF
Biozoo-S.r.l.
Via Chironi, 9
IT-07100 Sassari (SS)
+39 079 276537
+39 079 276537
info@biozoo.org
MiPAF
Governmental Bodies
Federazione Italiana per l’Agricoltura
Organica FIAO
Lino Nori
Via Barozzi 8,
IT-40126 Bologna, Italy
Tel.: +39 051 2960164
Fax: +39 051 2918689
fiao@greenplanet.net
www.fiao.it
Ministero delle Politiche Agroalimentari,
Dipartimento della qualità dei prodotti
agroalimentari e dei servizi
Battista Piras
Via XX settembre 20,
IT-00187 Roma RM, Italy
Tel.: +39 06/46655072
Fax: +39 06 4742314
Bio-agr@politicheagricole.it
www.politicheagricole.it/PRODUZIONE/
AGRIBIO/home.asp
Consortium
via Ballerini 1, pavia
Tel.: +39 2/48011219
Fax: +39-2/92367724
www.consortium-bio.it/index.htm
Distilleria
Distilleria EcoEditoria
Rosa Maria Bertino
Viale della Libertà,
IT-47100 Forlì, Italy
Tel.: +39 0543 32532
Fax: + 39 0543 24311
distilleria@biobank.it
www.biobank.it
113
8. Schweden
Retail Groups
Firm
Organic Range
Axfood AB
P.O. Box 7314
SE-103 90 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 553 998 00
Fax: +46 8 553 998 05
info@axfood.se
www.axfood.se
BergendahlsGruppen AB
P.O. Box 22
SE-281 21 Hässleholm
Tel.: +46 451 480 00
Fax: +46 451 150 01
info@bergendahls.se
www.bergendahls.se
D&D Unil AB
Anderstorpsvägen 22
SE-171 78 Solna
Tel.: +46 8 734 44 16
Fax: +46 8 735 77 56
info@dod-dagligvaror.se
www.dod-dagligvaror.se
ICA Handlarnas AB
SE-171 93 Solna
Tel.: +46 8 585 500 00
Fax: +46 8 585 500 09
info@ica.se
www.ica.se
KF
P.O. Box 15200
SE-104 65 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 743 1423
Fax: +46 8 743 1575
info@kf.se
www.kf.se
Importers
114
Film
Firm
Organic Range
Arvid Nordquist H.A.B.
P.O. Box 1285
SE-171 25 Solna
Tel.: +46 8 799 1800
Fax: +46 8 294 157
vinarvid@arvid-nordquist.se
www.arvid-nordquist.se
Coffee roaster, also imports branded
packaged foods
Biodynamiska Produkter
P.O. Box 42
SE-153 21 Järna
Tel.: +46 8 554 810 30
Fax: +46 8 554 810 39
info@biodynamiskaprodukter.nu
Green coffee, also imports fresh produce and
packaged foods
Kaffebönans Rosteri AB
Kvarngatan 13
SE-784 63 Borlänge
Tel.: +46 243 79 20 00
Fax: +46 243 79 20 01
Coffee roaster, also imports roasted coffee
Firm
Organic Range
Kraft Foods Sverige AB
P.O. Box 615
SE-801 26 Gävle
Tel.: +46 26 65 61 00
Fax: +46 26 51 14 20
kraftfoodssverige@krafteurope.se
www.kraftfoodsnordic.com
Coffee roaster, also imports herbs and spices
Kung Markatta AB
Hjälmarsberg
SE-705 90 Örebro
Tel.: +46 19 307 300
Fax: +46 19 320 201
info@kungmarkatta.se
www.kungmarkatta.se
Roasted coffee, packaged foods
Löfbergs Lila AB
P.O. Box 1501
SE-651 21 Karlstad
Tel.: +46 54 1401 00
Fax: +46 54 1401 35
info@lofbergslila.se
www.lofbergslila.se
Coffee roaster
Sackéus AB
Bessermergatan 4
SE-417 04 Göteborg
Tel.: +46 31 65 4800
Fax: +46 31 65 4805
info@sackeus.se
www.sackeus.se
Roasted and instant coffee, packaged foods
Zoégas Kaffe AB
P.O. Box 7073
SE-250 07 Helsingborg
Tel.: +46 421 933 00
Fax: +46 421 476 80
info@se.nestle.com
www.zoegas.se
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Firm
Organic Range
AltGrönt AB
Vargmötesvägen 14
SE-186 30 Vallentuna
Tel.: +46 8 511 700 60
Fax: +46 8 511 763 64
altgront@altgront.se
www.altgront.se
BananKompaniet AB
P.O. Box 27294
SE-102 53 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 667 9160
Fax: +46 8 661 3607
info@saba.se
www.banan-kompaniet.se
Bananas
Biodynamiska Produkter
P.O. Box 42
SE-153 21 Järna
Tel.: +46 8 554 810 30
Fax: +46 8 554 810 39
info@biodynamiskaprodukter.nu
Fresh produce and packaged foods
115
Firm
Organic Range
Direkt Frukt och Grönt AB
Flintrännegatan 21
SE-211 24 Malmö
Tel.: +46 40 180 900
Fax: +46 40 180 901
torbjorn.karlsson@direktlivs.se
www.direktlivs.se
Frukt & Grönsaksspecialisten
Knut Pals Väg 8
Tel.: +46 42 201 160
Fax: +46 42 153 727
info@fgs.se
www.fgs.se
ICA Frukt & Grönt
P.O. Box 713
Tel.: +46 42 189 000
Fax: +46 42 189 288
info@ica.se
www.ica.se
Fruits & vegetables
Marianne’s Farm AB
Dalsgard 2393
SE-262 92 Ängelholm
Tel.: +46 422 071 33
Fax: +46 422 070 49
info@mariannesfarm.se
www.mariannesfarm.se
Vegetables
Saba Trading AB
P.O. Box 27106
SE-102 52 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 602 60 80
Fax: +46 8 602 60 99
info@saba.se
www.saba.se
Fruits & vegetables
Other Foods
116
Firm
Organic Range
Arvid Nordquist H.A.B.
P.O. Box 1285
SE-171 25 Solna
Tel.: +46 8 799 1800
Fax: +46 8 294 157
vinarvid@arvid-nordquist.se
www.arvid-nordquist.se
Imports branded packaged foods; coffee roaster
Biofood AB
Verkstadsvägen 14
SE-137 37 Västerhaninge
Tel.: +46 8 500 200 00
Fax: +46 8 500 242 15
biofood@telia.com
www.biofood.se
Vegetable oils, sugar, syrup, dried fruits, raisins,
seeds, pasta products, milk powder
Björnekulla Fruktindustri AB
Tvärgatan 1
SE-265 31 Astorp
Tel.: +46 42 564 00
Fax: +46 42 505 25
info@bjornekulla.se
www.bjornekulla.com
Fruit preservers, juices, canned vegetables
Firm
Organic Range
Carlshamn Mejeri AB
SE-374 82 Karlshamn
Tel.: +46 454 825 00
Fax: +46 454 313 75
carlshamn.mejeri@c-mejeri.se
www.carlshamn.com
Margarine, vegetable oils, ice-cream
CHE-BE Trading AB
P.O. Box 247
SE-151 23 Södertälje
Tel.: +46 8 550 32 890
Fax: +46 8 550 30 277
info@chebetrading.se
www.mrschwengs.com
Soy products, canned vegetables,
jasmine rice etc.
Dagsmeja Ren Mat HB
Verkstadsvägen 24
SE-245 34 Staffanstorp
Tel.: +46 46 253 600
Fax: +46 46 252 111
Cereal and other products
Di Luca Branded Food AB
Bondegatan 29, 6 TR
SE-116 33 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 641 9569
Fax: +46 8 640 4079
Pasta products, vegetable oils
EnarSahn AB
Stenslingan 4
SE-182 34 Danderyd
Tel.: +46 8 755 0706
Fax: +46 8 755 0706
Fruit and vegetable juices, canned vegetables,
fruit purées
Falcon Bryggeri AB
P.O. Box 164
SE-311 22 Falkenberg
Tel.: +46 346 571 05
Fax: +46 346 171 55
konsumentservice@carlsberg.se
www.falcon.se
Brewery owned by Carlsberg, Denmark
Föreningen mana EkoSol
C/o Groth, Erikshällsg 40
SE-151 46 Södertälje
Tel.: +46 8 550 865 08
Fax: +46 8 550 319 67
soren.groth@mailbox.swipnet.se
Herbs and spices
Formidabel AB
Kvarnbyvägen 13
SE-212 36 Malmö
Tel.: +46 40 497 470
Fax: +46 40 497 420
info@formidabel.se
www.formidabel.se
Herbs and spices
Frebaco Kvarn AB
P.O. Box 878
SE-531 18 Lidköping
Tel.: +46 510 860 00
Fax: +46 510 860 19
kvarn@febaco.se
www.frebaco.se
Cereal Products
Garbo Food AB
Hälleflundragatan 12
SE-426 58 Västra Frölunda
Tel.: +46 31 293 650
Fax: +46 31 292 943
mail@garbofood.se
www.garbofood.se
Packaged foods
117
118
Firm
Organic Range
Helhetshälsa AB
SE-592 93 Borghamn
Tel.: +46 143 20 200
Fax: +46 143 20 208
info@helhetshalsa.se
www.helhetshalsa.se
Vegetable oils
Hilda & Hulda AB
Folkungavägen 1B
SE-611 34 Nyköping
Tel.: +46 155 286 400
Fax: +46 155 286 444
Roasted soy products
HNC Agenturer
P.O. Box 154
SE-147 23 Tumba
Tel.: +46 8 530 30 987
Fax: +46 8 530 35 425
hnc@telia.com
Bread products
Hakansonn Tony
Slättakra Gard
SE-230 42 Tygelsjö
Tel.: +46 40 466 300
Fax: +46 40 469 666
Fresh produce
JO-Bolaget Fruktprodukter HB
Torsgatan 14
SE-105 46 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 789 54 00
Fax: +46 8 789 54 80
info@jobolaget.se
www.jobolaget.se
Juices and nectars
Karlshamns AB
Västra kajen
SE-374 82 Karlshamn
Tel.: +46 454 824 24
Fax: +46 454 822 20
info@karlshamn.se
www.karlshamn.se
Oils and fats
Kraft Freia Marabou AB
SE-172 85 Sundbyberg
Tel.: +46 8 627 10 00
Fax: +46 8 98 61 00
kraftfoodssverige@krafteurope.com
www.kraftfoodsnordic.com
Chocolate products
Kvarn AB Juvel
P.O. Box 8878
SE-402 72 Göteborg
Tel.: +46 31 779 1600
Fax: +46 31 220 579
Cereal products, rice
Natura AB
Almarkaröd
SE-242 92 Hörby
Tel.: +46 415 622 50
Fax: +46 415 620 35
info@natura.se
www.natura.se
Fresh produce
Nordfalks AB
P.O. Box 63
SE-431 21 Mölndal
Tel.: +46 31 86 58 00
Fax: +46 31 86 58 01
Herbs and spices, tea, Mexican foods
Firm
Organic Range
Ölands Frö AB
P.O. Box 58
SE-380 62 Mörbylanga
Tel.: +46 485 40 660
Fax: +46 485 40 329
romarker@olandsfro.se
www.olandsfro.se
Dried vegetables
Raggardens Produkter AB
Arentorp
SE-534 94 Vara
Tel.: +46 512 13 490
Fax: +46 512 13 077
rpab.liselotte@delta.telenordia.se
www.raggardensprodukter.se
Fresh produce, preserved vegetables
Risenta AB
P.O. Box 7411
SE-103 91 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 545 015 70
Fax: +46 8 611 53 66
info@risenta.se
www.risenta.se
Health foods, dried vegetables, seeds
Raby Biogrönt AB
Raby 4, PL 250
SE-242 92 Hörby
Tel.: +46 415 311 156
Fax: +46 415 311 156
biogront@telia.com
Fresh produce
Sackéus AB
Bessermergatan 4
SE-417 04 Göteborg
Tel.: +46 31 65 4800
Fax: +46 31 65 4805
info@sackeus.se
www.sackeus.se
Fair trade labelled and organic packaged foods,
coffee
Samodlarna Svea
Fabriksgatan 3
SE-684 00 Munkfors
Tel.: +46 563 52 530
Fax: +46 563 52 191
jan.knutar@swegro.se
www.swegro.se
Fresh produce, dried vegetables, cereales,
packaged foods
Salta Kvarn AB
SE-153 91 Järna
Tel.: +46 8 551 50 280
Fax: +46 8 551 50 240
info@saltakvarn.se
www.saltakvarn.se
Bread, flour and other cereal products
Seege AB
Skallebackav 10
SE-302 41 Halmstad
Tel.: +46 351 910 00
Fax: +46 351 910 19
info@seege.se
www.seege.se
Flour, grains and breakfast cereals
Semper Foods AB
Torsg 14
SE-105 46 Stockholm
Tel.: +46 8 677 31 00
Fax: +46 8 677 31 01
Baby foods, health foods, herbal salt,
raw materials and ingredients
119
Firm
Organic Range
Svenska Nestlé
SE-267 81 Bjuv
Tel.: +46 42 860 00
Fax: +46 42 783 00
www.nestle.se
Packaged foods, raw materials for manufacture
Svenska Nutana AB
Ekebyholm
SE-762 91 Rimbo
Tel.: +46 175 709 05
Fax: +46 175 701 90
info@nutana.se
www.nutana.se
Canned and frozen foods, cereals and grains)
Torfolk Gard AB
Ö Skymäs
SE-684 95 Höje
Tel.: +46 563 723 68
Fax: +46 563 720 66
torfolk@torfolk.se
www.torfolk.se
Fruit preserves; chilli, pesto and other sauces;
tomato products; vinegar; wine
Vargarda Kvarn
P.O. Box 136
SE-447 00 Vargarda
Tel.: +46 322 230 85
Fax: +46 322 242 73
Cereal products
Wasabröd AB
SE-682 82 Filipstad
Tel.: +46 590 18 100
Fax: +46 590 18 500
info@wasabrod.se
www.wasabrod.se
Crisp bread, rice crackers
Raw Materials and Ingredients for food manufactures and packers
Firm
Organic Range
B. Engelhardt & Co. AB
P.O. Box 49
SE-421 21 Västra Frölunda
Tel.: +46 31 709 17 00
Fax: +46 31 709 17 39
info@engelhardt.se
www.engelhardt.se
Contifood AB
P.O. Box 16002
SE-200 25 Malmö
Tel.: +46 409 45 170
Fax: +46 402 21 045
Eco Trade AB
P.O. Box 905
SE-601 19 Norrköping
Tel.: +46 11 218 006
Fax: +46 11 138 650
anneke.svantesson@odal.se
www.odal.se/odal/spannmal/krav/kravsyr.htm
R. Lundberg AB
P.O. Box 104
SE-201 21 Malmö
Tel.: +46 40 698 11 00
Fax: +46 40 698 11 01
fornamn.efternamn@abrlundberg.com
www.abrlundberg.se
120
Cereal products, dried vegetables
Firm
Organic Range
Verner Frang AB
Box 313
SE-503 11 Boras
Tel.: +46 33 12 78 00
Fax: +46 33 10 64 99
info@vernerfrang.se
www.vernerfrang.se
Seed and Planting Material
Firm
Organic Range
Frökompaniet Landskrona AB
Bromsgatan 5
SE-261 35 Landskrona
Tel.: +46 418 168 60
Fax: +46 418 285 10
info@froekompaniet.se
www.froekompaniet.se
Onion sets, seeds
Lindbloms Frö
P.O. Box 86
SE-277 21 Kivik
Tel.: +46 414 708 80
Fax: +46 414 700 09
post@lindbloms.se
www.lindbloms.se
Onions sets, seeds
KRAV
Box 1940
SE-751 49 Uppsala
Tel.: +46 18 10 02 90
Fax: +46 18 10 03 66
info@krav.se
www.krav.se
Jordbruksverket
Swedish Board
of Agriculture
SE-551 82 Jönköping
Tel.: +46 36 15 50 00
Fax: +46 36 19 05 46
jordbruksverket@sjv.se
Livsmedelsverket
National Food Administration
Box 622
SE-751 26 Uppsala
Tel.: +46 18 175500
Fax: +46 18 10 58 48
livsmedelsverket@slv.se
www.slv.se
121
9. The Netherlands
Importers, processors and packers
Ariza BV
Krommesteenweg 7
NL-5707 CA Helmond
Tel.: +31-492 528 364
Fax: +31-492 545 151
Koffiebranderij G. Peeze BV
Ringoven 36
NL-6826 TR Arnhem
Tel.: +31-263 622 422
Fax: +31-263 613 380
De Traay
Platinastraat 50
NL-8211 AR Lelystad
Tel.: +31-320 282 928
Fax: +31-320 282 028
info@detraay.com
www.detraay.com
Marfo Martinair Food B.V.
Koperstraat 31
NL-8200 AC Lelystad, Flevoland
Tel.: +31-320 293 894
Fax: +31-320 232 096
martinairfood@wxs.nl
Doens Food Ingredients BV
Oraniestraat 40A
Postbus 10
NL-4515 ZG IJzendijke
Tel.: +31-117 302 020
Fax: +31-117 301 166
info@doensfood.com
Do-it BV
Prins Hendrikweg 10
NL-3771 AK Barneveld
Tel.: + 31-342 423 119
Fax: +31-342 423 571
www.organic.nl
Eosta BV
Postbus 132
NL-3980 CC Bunnik
Tel.: +31-306 566 000
Fax: +31-306 566 040
info@eosta.com
Euroherb BV
De Smalle Zijde 37
NL-3903 LM Veenendaal
Tel.: +31-318 543 288
Fax: +31-318 542 458
Good Food Foundation
Alike Last
Postbus 219
NL-3850 AE Ermelo
Tel.: +31-341 560 210
Fax: +31-341 562 913
info@goodfood.nl
www.goodfood.nl
Greenfood International BV
Steutenburgerweg 75
NL-3784 VD Terschmer
Tel.: +31 342 460 000
Fax: +31 342 460 005
Horizon Natuurvoeding BV
Postbus 77
NL-3400 AB IJsselstein
Tel.: +31-30 688 7730
Fax: +31-30 688 7142
122
Neuteboom BV
Aadijk 41
NL-7602 PP Almelo
Tel.: +31-546 864 062
Fax: +31-546 864 062
Odin International BV
Postbus 225
NL-4190 CE Geldermalsen
Tel.: +31-345 577 133
Fax: +31-345 576 848
www.odin.nl
Renco BV
Postbox 46
NL-6600 AA Wijchen
Tel.: +31-24 641 5304
Fax: +31-24 641 5314
Rhumveld Winter & Konijn BV
Postbus 29216
NL-3001 GE Rotterdam
Tel.: +31-102 330 900
Fax: +31-102 330 574
rwk@rhumveld.com
www.rhumveld.com
Rijk Zwaan Nederland BV
Postbus 40
NL-2678 ZG De Lier
Tel.: +31-174 532 300
Fax: +31-174 515 334
www.rijkzwaan.nl
Tradin Organic Agriculture BV
Latexweg 12
NL-1047 BJ Amsterdam
Tel.: +31-204 074 499
Fax: +31-204 972 100
info@tradinorganic.com
www.tradinorganic.com
Trouw BV
Piekstraat 63-65
NL-3071 EL Rotterdam
Tel.: +31-10 486 6332
Fax: +31-10 4886 0928
Retail
De Nieuwe Band
Noorderringweg 12
NL-9363 TC Marum
Tel.: +31-594 645 353
Fax: +31-594 643 385
info@nieuweband.nl
TerraSana NL BV
Postbus 70
NL-2450 AB Leimuiden
Tel.: +31-172 503 344
Fax: +31-172 503 355
www.TerraSana.com
De Rit
Retsezijstraat 4
NL-4011 JP Zoelen
Tel.: +31-344 681 653
Fax: +31-344 681 404
Udea BV
Postbus 478
NL-5400 AL Uden
jvdboogaard@ekoland.con
www.ekoland.com
Natudis BV
Postbus 376
NL-3840 AJ Harderwijk
Tel.: +31-341 464 211
Fax: +31-341 425 704
info@natudis.nl
123
Albert Heijn
Project Organic Products
Proviancialeweg 11
Postbus 3000
NL-1500 HA Zaandam
Tel.: +31-756 592 218
Fax: +31-756 598 644
leontine.gast@corp.ah.nl
De Nieuwe Weme BV
Postbus 90
NL-8440 AB Heerenveen
Tel.: +31-513 630 333
Fax: +31-513 650 170
DekaMarkt BV
Postbus 86
NL-1940 AB Beverwijk
Tel.: +31-251 276 661
Fax: +31-251 276 657
Konmar BV
De Werf 13
NL-2544 EH Den Haag
Tel.: +31-703 215 121
Fax:+31-703 291 174
NWO
(De Natuurwinkel/Gimsel/
De Groene Winkel)
Postbus 193
NL-3840 AD Harderwijk
Tel.: +31-341 464 211
Fax: +31-341 464 204
info.nl@denatuurwinkel.com
Vomar Voordeelmarkt BV
Postbus 217
NL-1970 AE IJmuiden
Tel.: +31-255 563 700
Fax: +31-255 521 649
vomar@vomar.nl
www.vomar.nl
Authorities, Organizations and Certifiers
B-D Association
(Vereniging voor Biologisch-Dynamische
Landbouw)
Postbus 17
NL-3970 AA Driebergen
Tel.: +31-343 531 740
Fax: +31-343 516 943
Bd.vereniging@ecomarkt.nl
www.demeter-bd.nl
CBI
(Centre for the Promotion of Imports
from developing countries)
WTC Beursbuilding, 5th floor
Postbus 30009
NL-3001 DA Rotterdam
Tel.: +31-102 013 434
Fax: +31-104 114 081
cbi@cbi.nl
www.cbi.nl
Dutch Food Inspection Service
Ministry of Welfare, Health and
Cultural Affairs
Postbus 5840
NL-2280 HV Rijswijk
Tel.: +31-70 340 5060
Fax: +31-70 340 5435
Fair Trade Association
Beesdseweg 5
Postbus 115
NL-4100 AC Culemborg
Tel.: +31-345 545 151
Fax: +31-345 521 423
124
Good Food Foundation
PO Box 219
NL-3850 AE Ermelo
Tel.: +31-341 560 210
Fax: +31-341 562 913
info@goodfood.nl
Ministerie van Landbouw,
Natuurbeheer en Visserij
Postbus 20401
NL-2500 EK Den Haag
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 703 786 868
Fax: +31 703 786 100
www.minlnv.nl/
SKAL
Dr. Klinkertweg 28a
Postbus 384
NL-8000 AJ Zwolle
Tel.: +31-38 426 8181
Fax: +31-38 421 3063
info@skal.com
www.skal.com
Stichting Biologica – Platform Biologica
Postbus 12048
NL-3501 AA Utrecht
Tel.: +31-302 300 713
Fax: +31-302 304 423
biologic@xs4all.nl
www.platformbiologica.nl
Stichting Max Havelaar
Lucasbolwerk 7
NL-3500 BG Utrecht
Tel.: +31-302 337 070
Fax: +31-302 332 929
maxhavelaar@maxhavelaar.nl
www.maxhavelaar.nl
10. United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Importers, Traders and Wholesalers
Firm
Organic Range
Organic Farm Foods of Wales
Llambed Estate, Lampeter
GB-Carmarthenshire SA48 8LT
Tel.: +44-1570 423099
Fax: +44-1570 423280
petersegger@offcom
Extensive range, incl. fresh fruits and vegetables
and exotic specialities
Organic Marketing Company
Unit 1, Leighton Court Lower Eggleton, Ledbury
GB-Herefordshire HR8 2UN
Tel.: +44-1531640819
Fax: +44-1531 640818
Congelow Produce Ltd
Den Farm Lane, Collier Street
GB-Tonbridge, Kent TN 12 9 PX
Tel.: +44-1892 730447
Fax: +44-1892 730566
Community Foods Ltd.
Brent Terrace
GB-London NW2 1 LT
Tel.: +44-20 8450 9419
Fax: +44-20 8208 1551
Processed organic products, incl. dried fruit
and nuts, teas, vegetable oils, cereals, dried
leguminous vegetables
Hider Food Imports
Wiltshire Road
GB-Kingston upon Hull HU4 6PA
Tel.: +44-1482 561137
Fax: +44-1482 565668
Nuts and dried fruits, leguminous vegetables,
herbs and spices, cereals, coffee, bananas
Harley Food
Blindcrake Hall, Blindcrake
GB-Cockermouth GA13 OQP
Tel.: +44 1900 823 037
Fax. +44 1900 828 276
Dried fruit, leguminous vegetables, grains, herbs,
cereals, rice
Juniper Fine and Foods
Unit 2, Downs Way Industrial Estate
Tinwalds Downs Road, Heathall
GB-Dumfries DG1 3RS
Tel.: +44-1387 249333
Fax: +44-1387 249900
Fresh, chilled and deep-frozen foods and
beverages, cereals
Traidcraft plc
Kingsway North. Gateshead
GB-Tyne & Wear NE 11 0NE
Tel.: +44-1914 910591
Fax: +44-1914 976562
Tea and coffee (fair trade and organic label)
Equal Exchange Trading Ltd
10a Queensferry Street
GB-Edinburgh EH2 4PG
Tel.: +44-131 220 3484
Fax: +44-131 220 3565
www.equalexchange.co.uk
Tea and coffee (fair trade and organic label)
Some supermarket chains prefer to purchase organic products through their traditional (conventional)
suppliers. Among these suppliers are:
• Mack Multiples – www.mwmack.com
• Wealmoor – www.wealmoor.co.uk
125
Retail
126
Supermarket Chains
Organic Range
Sainsbury’s
Stamford House
GB-London SE1 9LL
Tel.: +44-171695 0024
Fax: +44-171 695 7507
www.sainsbury.co.uk
Extensive and expanding range, incl. fish, fresh
meat, milk and dairy products, eggs
Waitrose
Doncastle Road
Southern Industrial Area, Bracknell
GB-Berkshire RG12 8YA
Tel.: +44-1344 424680
Fax: +44-1344 825072
Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs,
baby food, beer, wine, cider, cereal products
(bread, bakery products, muesli, oat flakes,
flour, pasta, rice), chilled products (cooked meat,
fresh pasta, soups, fresh salads and fruit juices),
dairy products, eggs, fresh meat and meat
products, fish, deep-frozen products (burgers,
ice cream, peas, yoghurt), processed fruit and
vegetables (canned tomatoes, fruit and vegetable
juices, jams and marmalades, canned beans),
sweeteners (brown sugar, honey), chocolate,
cocoa, drinking chocolate, coffee, teas
(including herbal teas), cooking oils (e.g. olive oil),
soya drinks, pet food
Tesco
Tesco House
Delamare Road, Cheshunt
GB-Hertfordshire EN8 9SL
Tel.: +44-1992 632222
Fax. +44-1992 644747
Extensive range, incl. fresh fruit and vegetables,
meat, cereal products (including bread)
Safeway
Argyll House
6 Millington Road, Hayes
GB-Middlesex UB3 4AY
Tel.: +44-171695 6000
Fax: +44-171 695 7610
Extensive range
Marks & Spencer
Michael House
46–47 Baker Street
GB-London W108EP
Tel.: +44 2079 354422
Fax: +44 8287 4872679
www.marks-spencer.co.uk
Fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, dairy products,
convenience products (soups, pizzas, poultry and
pasta dishes), meat, eggs, cereal products,
desserts, sandwiches
Asda
Asda House, Great Wilson Street
GB-Leeds LS 11 5AD
Tel.: +44-1132 435435
Fax: +44-1132 418304
Expanding organic range. Fresh products, incl.
meat
Organic Supermarkets
Organic Range
Planet Organic
42 Westbourne Grove
GB-London W2 5SH
Tel.: +44-207 221 7171
Fax: +44-171 221 1923
Fresh and processed products, extensive range
(over 4000 organic products)
Health and Organic Food Stores
Organic Range
Holland & Barrett
61, The Broadway West Ealing
GB-London W13 9BP
Tel.: +44 - 20 8840 7558
Processed organic products (grains, raisins,
pasta, dried leguminous vegetables)
Food Processors
Firm
Organic Range
Doves Farm Foods
Salisbury Road, Hungerford
GB-Berkshire RG17 0RF
Tel.: +44-1488 684880
Fax: +44-1488 685235
Organic Range
Shipton Mill Ltd
Frampton Mill Frampton on Severn Industrial Park
GB-Tetbury Gloucestershire GL8 8RP
Tel.: +44 - 1452 740408
Cereal products, especially breakfast cereals
Morning Foods Ltd
Suites 51/52, The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark St
GB-London SE1 1TY
Cereal products
Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Ltd
Lag Farm Blagdon
GB-Bristol Avon BS40 7SG
Tel.: +44 - 1761 462798
Cereal products
Baby Organix
Organix Brands plc
No. 4 Fairfields Close, Christchurch
GB-Dorset BH23 1QZ
Tel.: +44-1202 479701
Fax: +44-1202 479712
Dairy products (yoghurt)
Hipp Nutrition UK
765 Main Street, Newbury
New Greenham
Park Newbury
GB-Berkshire RG19 6HN
Tel.: +44-1635 528250
Fax: +44-1635 528271
Chocolate, drinking chocolate powder, chocolate
ice cream
Whole Earth Foods
292 Portobello Road
GB-London W11 1LR
Tel.: +44-171 229 7545
Fax: +44-171 221 6416
100520.416@compuserve.com
www.earthfoods.co.uk
Baby food
Bean dishes, jams and marmalades, peanut
butter, chocolate, ketchup (all with reduced sugar
and salt content) etc.
127
Government Bodies
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square
GB-London SW1P 3JR
Tel.: +44-171 238 5803
Fax: +44-171 238 6148
United Kingdom Register of Organic Food
Standards (UKROFS)
GB-London SW1P 3JR
Tel.: +44-171 238 6004
Fax: +44-171 238 6533
Organic Farming Branch, Imports Section
DEFRA
Area 5F, Ergon House
Horseferry Road
GB-London SW1P 2AL
organic.imports@defra.gsi.gov.uk
www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/imports/
imports.htm
General adress:
DEFRA, Department for Environment,
Food & Rural Affairs
GB-London SW1P 3JR
www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic
Tel.: 020 7 238 6000 switchboard
From outside the UK the telephone number is
+44 (0) 20 7238 6951.
There is also a minicom/textphone number for the
deaf and hard of hearing: 0845 300 1998.
The general helpline email address is:
helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Bio-Dynamic Agricultural
Association
Old Painswick Project
Gloncester St
GB-Strad Gloncestershire GL5 1QG
Tel.: +44 1453 759501
Organic Food Federation
31, Turbine Way
GB-Swaffham Norfolk PE37 7XD
Tel.: +44-1760 720 444
Fax: +44-1760 720 790
organicfood@freenet.co.uk
Organic Farmers and Growers
50 High Street, Soham, Ely
GB-Cambridgeshire CB7 5HF
Tel.: +44-1353 720250
Scottish Organic Producer Association
Suite 15
Software Centre
Stirling University
Innovation Park
GB-Stirling FK9 4FN
Tel.: +44-1786 458 090
Fax: +44-1786 458 091
The Soil Association
40–56 Victoria Street
GB-Bristol BS1 6BY
Tel.: +44-117 929 0661
Fax: +44-117 925 2504
fblake@soilassociation.org
128
Annex V
(Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft) forms:
“Imports of organic products”
The forms can be downloaded from the following website:
http://www.blw.admin.ch
under columns; import; organic agriculture the different information and forms can be
downloaded; such as:
1. Dossier about the imports of organic products
2. The guidance and application form for individual authorization to market imported
organic farming products in Switzerland
3. The checklist for equivalence to partially converted holdings
4. The attestation for equivalence to imports of organic products
5. Additional products to imports of organic products
6. Details of inspection / certification bodies
7. Extract of the certificate of inspection
8. Swiss certification / inspection bodies
Notes:
129
Notes:
130
Annex VI
BIO SUISSE forms: “BIO SUISSE Checklist”
The forms can be downloaded from the following website:
http://www.bio-suisse.ch
or directly under:
http://www.bio-suisse.ch/media/en/pdf2003/checklist_individual_producers.pdf
131
Annex VII
Sources
1.
BIO SUISSE (2003): Facts and
Trends 2003 (Medientext of the
Medienkonferenz of 25 March 2003).
Published by BIO SUISSE, Basel,
Switzerland.
2.
Buley, M., P. Grosch & S. Vaupel
(1997): Exporting Organic
Products – Marketing Handbook.
Edited by K. Clark, GTZ Language
Services. Published by Protrade –
Dept. Organic Products and Fine
Foods, GTZ, Eschborn, Germany.
212 pp.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
132
Consorzio per il Controllo dei Prodotti
Biologici (2003): L’evoluzione del
Biologico – Ricerca, Produzione e
Mercato. CCPB publication.
Rundgren, G. & W. Lockeretz (2002):
IFOAM Conference on Organic
Guarantee Systems – International
Harmonisation and Equivalence in
Organic Agriculture 17–19 Feb.
2002 – Reader. Published by IFOAM.
68 pp.
Kilcher L. (2000): Development and
Perspectives in the Market for
Organic Fruit Juices from Tropical
and Subtropical Countries, in: Fruit
Processing 12/2000, S. 466 ff
Kilcher L. (2002): Potencial del
mercado Europeo para productos
orgánicos de Chile. In: „Memorias
Seminario Agricultura organica en
Chile“. Universidad Austral de
Valdivia, Marzo 2002. 39–42 pp.
Kilcher L. (2002): Biofruchtsäfte aus
tropischen und subtropischen
Ländern – Entwicklung und
Perspektiven. In: „Flüssiges Obst“
7/2002, 444–448 pp.
Kilcher L. (2002): El mercado para
café orgánico. In: Café y Cacao.
Vol. 3, No. 1, 2002, Habana (Cuba),
page 5 ff.
9. Kortbech-Olesen., R. (2003):
Overview on world trade in organic food products, the US market
and recent trends. UNCTAD/WTO
presentation at BIOFACH Congress
Nuremberg, Germany.
10. Kortbech-Olesen, R., C. H. Haest,
B. T. Jacobsen, J. Pakenham-Walsh,
et al. (1999): Organic Food and
Beverages: World Supply and
Major European Markets.
Published by ITC – International Trade
Centre UNCTAD/WTO, Geneva,
Switzerland. 271 pp.
11. Hamm, U., F. Gronefeld & D. Halpin
(2002): Analysis of the European
market for organic food – Organic
market Initiatives and Rural
Development Volume 1. Published
by The University of Wales, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom. 157 pp.
12. Richter, T. & G. Hempfling (2003):
Supermarket Study 2003 –
Organic Products in European
Supermarkets. Published by
Research Institute of Organic
Agriculture (FiBL), Frick. 180 pp.
13. UNCTAD (2003): Organic Fruit and
Vegetables from the Tropics –
Marketing, Certification and
Production Information for
Producers and International
Trading Companies. Published by
United Nations, Geneva. 308 pp.
14. Willer, H. & Yussefi, M. (2000):
Ökologische Agrarkultur weltweit.
SÖL-Sonderausgabe Nr. 74, D-Bad
Dürkheim, 85 pp.
15. Willer, H. & Richter, T. (2003): FiBL –
Statistics-Provisional figures of a
FiBL survey in Nov. 2003.
16. Yussefi, M. & Willer, H. (Eds.) (2003):
The World of Organic Agriculture –
Statistics and Future Prospects
2003. Published by IFOAM –
International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements. Oekozentrum
Imsbach DE-66636, Tholey-Theley.
127 pp.
sippo
swiss import
promotion programme
SIPPO (Swiss Import Promotion Programme) is the import promotion programme
under the patronage of the State Secretariat for the Economy of the Swiss
government. It supports small and medium-sized companies and cooperatives in
emerging markets and markets in transition to access the Swiss market as well as
markets in the European Union.
SIPPO objectives are:
• to enhance the exporting skills of small
and medium-sized companies with
respect to product quality and export
marketing
• to increase the number and quality of
small and medium-sized company trade
contacts with Swiss/EU importers
• to improve the level of information of
Swiss/EU importers on new sourcing
markets in the partner countries
• to strengthen the skills of and to
include trade institutions and branch
associations into the trade development
process
SIPPO’s services include:
• business branch-related market
information
• advisory services for products and
marketing
• promotion in Switzerland and EU
• assistance at selected European
trade fairs
At the same time, Swiss companies are informed about the requests for contact
received from foreign companies and are given support in their search for new
sourcing markets, products and cooperation partners.
Swiss Import Promotion Programme
Stampfenbachstrasse 85
CH-8006 Zurich
Tel. +41 1 365 52 00, Fax +41 1 365 52 02
E-mail: info@sippo.ch, Internet: www.sippo.ch
You’d be right to call
Bernhard Danuser an
environmental activist,
even if he takes no part
in demonstrations and
sit-ins.
Near Bad Ragaz, Bernhard
Danuser
some
of
the
tends
50,000
apple trees that grow
here in the Rhine Valley.
For him, chemical-based
pesticides and fertilisers
ENGAGE
ENT
migros.ch
are taboo because he
follows organic guidelines. One thing they
prescribe is the use of
natural fertilisers. Besides, useful insects,
such as predatory mites
and
ladybirds,
keep
many pests away naturally. Danuser draws on a variety of methods taken from Nature’s box of
tricks. Apple varieties that are resistant to scabs, for example, make chemical fungus treatment
superfluous. But organic farming is also labour-intensive, and weeding is one of the necessary
chores. “I believe in consumers who care about what they eat and I’m proud to offer quality produce,”
says Danuser, whose organic methods make a silent but effective contribution to the environment’s
wellbeing. Bad Ragaz is an example of our commitment to people, animals and Nature. Further infor-
PUBLICIS
mation available from the M-Infoline on 0848 84 0848 or at www.migros.ch under “Engagement”.
ANYWAY

The Organic Market in Switzerland and the European Union

Transcription

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